Assault with metal chain leads to tether term

Juan Martinez with his attorney, Julie Springstead Waltz.

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — A 46-year-old Rothbury man who pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Oct. 26, faces a nine-month tether term.

Juan Ramon Martinez, of 7125 Driftwood Dr., testified that on April 26 in Grant Township he assaulted a man in his driveway while escorting him off his property. Martinez said the man shoved him as he walked him off his property. Martinez said he had a metal chain in his hand that he had grabbed out of his pickup truck.

“I meant to hit him with my fist, but the chain got in the way,” he said.

Martinez said he was protecting a woman who had allegedly been assaulted by the man in a domestic situation.

In exchange for his guilty plea, Martinez will receive no jail time but must serve nine months on an electronic tether.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 7 at 9 a.m.