Indiana Deals With Domestic Abuse.

 

Also Friday, Judge Dodge ordered three years of probation and a year in jail for a Niles man who earlier entered guilty pleas in connection with a horrific domestic violence incident. Russell Garvin, 51, will receive credit for 208 days already served.

Fitz said that over the course of the three-hour assault, Garvin choked his wife with a strap in front of their 15-year-old son and made several threats including one in which he allegedly told her he'd put hair spray on her hair and light it "so she'd burn like a Roman candle.'' Garvin's wife also spoke in court, asking for a prison sentence.

But Judge Dodge said Garvin not only had no prior record but had served honorably for 24 years in the military, including a stint in Iraq in which he saw combat with Special Forces. As a result of the latter, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Also, Garvin said he "wasn't totally at fault,'' making reference to a third party who perhaps had contributed to the breakup of the couple's 22-year marriage.

Judge Dodge pointed out Garvin also recently received a 30-month probation sentence in Berrien County for embezzling items from Rural King, his former employer in Niles.

On WSBT.com news June 2, 2012 hidden under

It is a noted at the bottom of the article...

I particularly do not appreciate the way they hide these stories.  Such a nice Judge, Garvin only has to serve 57 days in jail before Garvin can get out and light his wife up like a "Roman candle" Do you call this JUSTICE???

What just happened is this Judge a wife beater???

This is Indiana, the man RULES. My advice is all women should leave Indiana if in Abusive relationships.

Gosh, maybe half the state will leave.