Strangulation case heads to trial.

Thomas Gager, left, with attorney Tim Hayes.

Strangulation case heads to trial.

#OceanaCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART – The case against a 24-year-old Bitely man accused of assaulting his wife by strangulation is headed to trial in 27th Circuit Court.

Thomas Jay Gager, of 2316 W. Pinewood Blvd., rejected a plea offer in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Dec. 2.

Gager, who is lodged in the Oceana County Jail on a $30,000/cash/surety bond, also faces charges of felonious assault and two counts of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer. Assault by strangulation is punishable by up to 10 years in prison; felonious assault carries a four-year maximum; and assaulting/resisting/obstructing police is punishable by up to two years imprisonment.

Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon offered a plea agreement with a sentence not to exceed 30 months if Gager pleaded to assault by strangulation while dismissing the other charges.

Gager was out on bond for domestic violence at the time of the offense, Bizon said. The alleged assault occurred Oct. 11 in the Village of Walkerville, and the victim suffered “significant injuries,” he said.

The trial is scheduled for Feb. 5-7 preceded by a Jan. 13 final conference.

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