Area man sentenced to probation for choking woman

Published 9:55 am Friday, December 30, 2016

A Clarks Grove man charged with choking a woman in June was placed on probation for one year Thursday in Freeborn County District Court.

Raul Lopez, 52, was sentenced to 90 days in jail. Eighty-eight days were stayed, and he was given credit for two days served.

Raul Lopez

Raul Lopez

He was sentenced after pleading guilty to fifth-degree assault in October.

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Court documents state law enforcement responded June 23 to a report of a domestic assault in Clarks Grove. The victim, who lived with Lopez, said he became angry the night before because she had turned off the television.

He reportedly pushed her down on her bed. After pushing her down three times, he reportedly climbed on top of her, grabbed her neck with both hands and choked her.

He reportedly also threatened to kill her.

Court documents state light red marks on both sides of the victim’s neck, as well as other injuries to her arms and wrist were observed.

Lopez was originally charged with domestic assault by strangulation and terroristic threats, but those charges were dismissed at sentencing.

Those charges could have landed him time in prison if he was convicted.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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