Tim McGraw's Felony Assault Charge Reduced

Prosecutors in Erie County, N.Y., on Tuesday (8/1) reduced to a misdemeanor assault charge the felony assault charge filed in June against Tim McGraw, according to the Erie County District Attorney's office. McGraw was charged with the offense after he allegedly assaulted law enforcement officers who were apprehending fellow country artist Kenny Chesney.

"Given all the facts that have been provided to the district attorney's office and as a result of their investigation … the felony charge has been dropped," said McGraw in a prepared statement issued Tuesday (8/1).

Louis Haremski of the Erie County D.A.'s office clarified that the assault charge filed against McGraw had not been dropped but, rather, was reduced. Instead of a felony assault charge for assaulting a law enforcement officer, McGraw now faces a misdemeanor assault charge classified as reckless assault. Three other criminal charges filed against McGraw at the time of his arrest--obstructing governmental administration, menacing and resisting arrest--are still pending against the singer as well.

On June 3, McGraw, Chesney and a third man--Mark Russo--were arrested after Chesney allegedly took a mounted sheriff's deputy's horse without permission, and McGraw and Russo allegedly attacked the officers who apprehended Chesney.

Haremski said his office is expecting a joint trial for all three men, which is currently scheduled to take place on Dec. 6.