Selma City School Board member Frank Chestnut Jr. turned himself in Friday, March 23 in response to a warrant issued, claiming he harassed a resident during the March 8 school board meeting at the School of Discovery.

After facing the misdemeanor charge, Chestnut posted a $500 bond and was released. The case should go before city court in May.

“I am just looking forward to setting the record straight and clearing my name,” Chestnut said, refusing to offer any details or other comments.

According to a copy of the incident report obtained by the Times-Journal, the victim, Carolyn Robinson, told police that following the March 8 meeting, the discussion between she and Chestnut became physical.

“The victim, Ms. Robinson, reported to police that she and the witnesses were talking about some of the reports that had taken place in the school board meeting. When the offender Mr. Frank Chestnut Jr. came over to her saying ‘you want to talk to me’ and taking his hand poking her in the forehead with it and began yell[ing] ‘I thought you wanted to talk to me,’” the report said. “The witnesses at that time tried to get the victim from the offender. The offender Mr. Chestnut had to [be] pulled away from the victim, in fear that Mr. Chestnut may hurt her. Ms. Robinson said that she will file charges on the offender Mr. Chestnut.”

Robinson, who confirmed the accounts listed on the report to the Times-Journal last week, said she attempted to get a warrant on Chestnut the following day, but was “given the runaround” by city officials.

Robinson said she attempted to get the warrant at the police department, but was told the warrant would have to be issued at the Dallas County Courthouse. After being sent away from the courthouse, telling her it is in the city’s jurisdiction, Robinson said she came back the following week, to again get a warrant.

It was not until March 23 — two weeks after the date of the incident — that the warrant was issued.

While Robinson, during last week’s Selma City Council meeting, said the warrant was for assault, a copy of the warrant obtained by the Times-Journal showed the actual charge was for misdemeanor harassment.

Although she was not sure of the exact date, Robinson said she had been told the case would be heard the first week in May.

“I was told that I should check back for the exact date and time,” Robinson said.