A Jonesboro man has been ordered to complete batterers and anger management classes following his no-contest plea to assaulting and choking his ex-girlfriend, according to court records.
Asher Kai Revel, 19, entered nolo contendere pleas to first-degree assault, second-degree terroristic threatening, and third-degree domestic battery. Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Chris Thyer sentenced him to 12 months of probation on each charge, to run concurrently. Revel will also be required to complete General Educational Development (GED) coursework, attend mental health and substance abuse assessments, and participate in court-approved programs targeting batterers and anger management.
The sentencing order stipulates that if Revel successfully completes his mandated programs and assessments, prosecutors will not object to converting the remainder of his probation to unsupervised status. Additionally, the court barred Revel from contacting the victim.
Court documents allege the incident occurred on Sunday, May 31, when Jonesboro police responded to a domestic disturbance at a home on Caribbean Drive. Officers documented the victim’s account, stating that Revel invited her to his residence around 7 a.m. Upon her arrival, she said Revel appeared intoxicated, became verbally abusive, and eventually escalated to physical violence.
The victim reported that Revel slapped her face multiple times, threw her onto a bed, and restricted her from leaving the residence. Detective Madison Dobbs reported in an affidavit that the victim stated Revel had pinned her down, grabbed her throat, and sat on her chest, choking her to the point where she struggled to breathe on several occasions.
The affidavit further stated that whenever the victim attempted to leave, Revel threatened her, saying he would "blow her head off." She eventually escaped the residence around 2 p.m. after Revel fell asleep. Police noted that the victim had visible redness behind her ear and a swollen jaw upon their arrival.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for confidential, 24/7 assistance.