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STUART |
A 26-year-old West Mansfield man was arrested Monday after deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office learned he had abused his girlfriend for four months and threatened to kill anyone who told authorities.
Zacheriah R. Stuart was taken into custody at his 184 E. Center St. residence and was lodged on a felony charge of domestic violence and a misdemeanor charge of aggravated menacing.
The victim, Heather Puff, was treated at Mary Rutan Hospital for multiple injuries including bruising over her body, bite marks and a possible broken jaw, deputies report.
They collected photographic evidence of the abuse.
Deputies learned about the violence, when Ms. Puff’s ex-husband, Clayton Puff, reported his concerns around 4:10 p.m.
The Puffs continued to reside in the residence with their two sons; the defendant; the defendant’s brother; and Ryan Fairchild, a friend of the brother.
Mr. Puff said he noticed the bruising on his ex-wife’s legs and repeated facial injuries. When he asked, she claimed the bruising was from sparring matches with the defendant.
Deputies arrived a the residence and were greeted outside by the victim wearing gloves used by mixed martial arts fighters.
Ms. Puff kept up the ruse and said her injuries were from sparring matches with the suspect.
She finally admitted her boyfriend had been beating her. She also noted he threatened to kill her and her family if she told anyone.
Mr. Fairchild said he had observed the defendant drag the victim by her hair from room-to-room in the residence. He also said he heard sounds of abuse and that he was warned by the suspect not to say anything or he would be killed.
The defendant claimed he was trying to teach his girlfriend self-defense.
He was lodged in the Logan County Jail.
Deputies contacted victims advocates to work with the victim.
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