Troy area man arrested for domestic assault

Michael Ray Early, a 36-year-old Troy-area man, was arrested Oct. 19 and charged with one count of partner or family member assault, causing bodily injury. If convicted, Early could spend up to one year in jail and be fined up to $1,000.

Deputy Brad Dodson of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office arrested Early following a 911 call in which a woman, who identified herself as Early’s girlfriend, reported Early had assaulted her.

In his narrative, attached to the affidavit of probable cause, Dodson wrote the couple had been drinking together and that “Michael knowingly put hands on her to cause bodily injury and his actions caused her to have apprehension of more bodily injury.”

The victim reported a history of violence between the two and witnesses acknowledged having seen red marks on the woman previously, although no complaints or reports of abuse have been filed previously.

Dodson reported making contact with Early, who was “obviously intoxicated.” Early reportedly admitted to having a verbal altercation with the victim, but denied any physical contact.

According to Dodson’s report, Early is subject to release conditions which prohibit the use of alcohol, based upon a release agreement from a May 4, 2015, arrest.

Early was ordered held on $15,000 bond and was still in custody at the Lincoln County Detention Center as of Monday, Oct. 26.  He is next due in Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield’s courtroom Nov. 19, 2015.