Troy man arrested for domestic assault

A 37-year-old Troy man is facing a felony domestic assault charge which could result in a fine of up to $50,000 and a five-year prison sentence. Charles Ray Norman was arrested just before 10 a.m. July 7, and charged with partner-family member assault, causing bodily injury, third or subsequent offense.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Troy Police officer Christopher Pape responded to a call reporting an assault on the morning of July 4. When Pape arrived at the residence on First Street in Troy, a woman told him her daughter had been assaulted by Norman earlier that morning.

Pape asked to speak with the victim of the assault, who was inside the house. His report indicates he immediately noticed severe swelling to the left side of the woman’s face and her left eye area.

The victim said she went to a local bar to hang out with friends the previous evening. She said she returned home in the early morning hours and Norman began yelling at her. She said her recollection of the events was not good, but she did remember Norman choking her. She said she blacked out and later woke up on the bedroom floor confused and disoriented, with Norman sleeping next to her on the floor. She then went to lie down in another bedroom, into which Norman followed her and again laid down beside her.

The victim told Pape she noticed the severity of her injuries when she woke up later that morning, at which time she told Norman to leave.

The victim’s mother reported Norman arrived that morning at her residence. She said Norman told her the victim “had come home and was ornery, so he had to backhand her.”

Troy police, unsure of Norman’s location after leaving the residence, contacted Adult Probation and Parole, as Norman is currently on probation stemming from charges of aggravated assault and another third or further partner-family member assault.

Norman pleaded guilty to the 2012 charge of partner-family member assault, third or subsequent in exchange for dismissal of the aggravated assault charge. He was given a five-year deferred imposition of sentence Oct. 15, 2012.

Norman’s deferred imposition of sentence was revoked April 17, 2013, following his admission to violating three conditions of his probation. He was sentenced to a five-year commitment with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all five years suspended. He was placed on probation for the duration of the suspended commitment.

Norman’s probation officer arranged for Norman to report to him July 7, at which time he was arrested by Pape and transported to the Lincoln County jail.

Pape said Norman, after being advised of his Miranda rights, agreed to be interviewed. Norman said the victim came home drunk and slapped him as he lay sleeping in bed. He admitted to pushing the victim twice and hitting her once, but in self-defense. Pape noted Norman had minor scratches on his neck and near his right eye.

Norman was released from jail July 9, after posting $100,000 bond. He is next scheduled for a preliminary hearing Aug. 5.