Four men have been arrested relating to the assault and robbery of a fifth adult male in rural Pierce County on Aug. 22, according to Galen Mack, Pierce County states attorney.

The four were arrested within approximately 24 hours of the assault and have been charged with criminal conspiracy – robbery, a Class B felony.

In addition, Michael E. Mann, 22, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, has also been charged with terrorizing, a Class C felony; simple assault, a Class B misdemeanor; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; and theft of property, a Class A misdemeanor.

-Robert E. Johnston, 28, originally from Denver, and also from California, recently residing in Rugby, has also been charged with simple assault, a Class B misdemeanor. He is also currently on felony parole for delivery of a controlled substance, a Class C felony, originally occurring in Ward County.

-Robert E. Morgan, 22, originally from Grand Rapids, Minn., has also been charged with simple assault, Class B misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, Class A misdemeanor.

-Matthew A. Klein, 22, originally from rural Pierce County and recently of Harvey, has also been charged with simple assault, a Class B misdemeanor.

Local law enforcement authorities understand that Klein drove his three co-conspirators and the adult male victim, Joseph Schleeter, from a tavern in Rugby to a rural location where the victim was allegedlyphysically assaulted and several personal property items taken. Schleeter, who is working in the area on a road crew, also stated that marijuana and cash were demanded of him while he was being assaulted. Schleeter’s cell phone was later retrieved in a nearby field by law enforcement officers searching the crime scene.

In addition to North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation officers, Pierce County Sheriff’s officers and Rugby Police Department officers assisted in the investigation as well as the McHenry Sheriff’s Department.

Bond hearings were held on on Aug. 25 in Northeast District Court. The matter is currently under investigation by law enforcement authorities. Additional criminal charges are like