Former police officer charged with domestic violence

Domestic violence can take many forms, including stalking, emotional abuse, threats of violence and acts of physical violence. When domestic violence is involved in a divorce case, there are very serious concerns for the safety of the victim and any children in the home.

As a recent story demonstrates, the state of Ohio takes charges of domestic violence and spousal abuse very seriously and prosecutes individuals accused of crimes of domestic violence.

In the recent case, a former Ohio police officer and former head of criminal justice at Tri-County Technical College was arrested on Dec. 10 when his wife checked into a medical center. She was allegedly punched in the cheek and forced to leave her home. The former officer was charged with domestic violence and threat of domestic assault.

When confronted by police, the man, who presently works at Anderson University, denied any involvement in his wife's injuries. Following his arrest, he was released from jail after posting $6,000 in bail. He pleaded not guilty during a preliminary hearing where he also requested a jury trial. He was ordered not to have any contact with his wife.

The man's wife also works at the community college, but in a different building. According to the police incident report, the couple also has two sons who were home at the time of the alleged domestic violence incident.

When interviewed, representatives for Anderson University and Tri-County Tech had similar responses to the incident. Neither school seemed to be aware of the alleged domestic abuse.

Source: Independent Mail, "AU criminal justice instructor charged with domestic violence," Anna Mitchell, Dec. 16, 2011