A Stone County man has been charged with domestic battery of a woman known to be pregnant.
The charge in Stone County Circuit Court is second-degree domestic battery, and it carries a sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison, and a fine not to exceed $15,000.
The incident occurred on March 30, 2020. That’s when authorities were called to the Stone County Medical Center in reference to a domestic assault. Deputies learned a female, who is known to be approximately six months pregnant, was brutally beaten by her uncle, identified as Gordon Keith Hoffman (pictured), 59, according to the affidavit of probable cause for arrest.
The woman told authorities she went to her grandmother’s house, and then Hoffman pulled up on an ATV, and yelled, “I don’t want this b**** on my property.”
The court documents said she told deputies Hoffman then jumped off his ATV and went after her. She ran toward her vehicle, but that’s when Hoffman allegedly grabbed her by her hair and began striking her in the temple and side of the face. According to the affidavit, the victim told Hoffman, “Please don’t. I’m pregnant.”
The affidavit noted the victim said Hoffman then threw her to the ground and began kicking and stomping her. Minutes later, the fight was broken up by the grandmother and mother. Deputies said the injuries were bruises and abrasions. Other medical tests were pending at the time, including an ultrasound to check the condition of the baby.
The court information said Hoffman is currently on parole and has been previously convicted of four or more felonies.
The court record said Hoffman has been charged, in the past, with numerous assaults, domestic battery incidents, aggravated robbery, and weapons charges. Prosecutors also say Hoffman has a history of failure to appear.
In addition to being charged with felony domestic battery, Hoffman is being charged as a habitual offender.
The court record said Hoffman is in custody and has been placed on a $25,000 bond.
Image via Stone County Sheriff’s Office
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