Tom Bakkedahl

"He's serious, and respects the position, but he's fun to practice in front of," says Tom Bakkedahl, chief prosecutor for St. Lucie County -- part of the 19th Circuit that also includes Martin, Indian River and Okeechobee counties."(But) he keeps things moving, and he doesn't suffer fools gladly."

"We have a good-faith basis to believe there's sufficient evidence to warrant the prosecution," said Tom Bakkedahl, chief prosecutor for the St. Lucie County State Attorney's Office.

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Bakkedahl said in domestic violence cases it's "not uncommon to have a victim who won't cooperate.

"Those statements of hers are not surprising to us.Those of us who are in the business are very familiar with her comments."

Bakkedahl said the evidence against Cooper includes a 9-1-1 tape in which, according to police reports, dispatchers could hear a "domestic disturbance in progress at the residence."
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The case, Bakkedahl continued, also includes the eyewitness statement from Cooper's 16-year-old daughter.
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"The absence of a victim is not the end-all issue," Bakkedahl said.

Cooper's arraignment is scheduled for April 17, a court official said.

After his arrest Monday, the city manager issued a statement saying he "had a family situation on Friday which I deeply regret," was "taking time some time off to deal with this matter," and would have no further comment.