AACo. Sheriff Ron Bateman Acquitted of Assault Charges
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)-- Anne Arundel County Sheriff Ronald Bateman has been acquitted of assault charges stemming from an domestic incident involving his wife.
Bateman was arrested on charges of second degree assault back in April after police say an argument with his wife turned physical inside their Pasadena home.
Moments after being acquitted of assault charges on Wednesday, Sheriff Bateman walked out of the courtroom with his wife Elsie Bateman by his side.
"Sheriff Bateman has always maintained his innocence," said Peter O'Neill, Bateman's attorney.
In court, Elsie chose not to testify against her husband, invoking spousal privilege--a right spouses can use only once.
The couple also agreed to counseling and the state decided not to bring any further evidence.
"In some cases what's best for the family isn't proceeding with prosecution, it's counseling and therapy and moving on," said Buffy Giddens, Asst. State's Attorney for St. Mary's County.
In charging documents obtained by WJZ, Ms. Bateman said her husband threw her into a wall in the craft room and she hit the back of her head.
Back in April, the sheriff denied hitting his wife releasing a statement to WJZ saying, "I categorically deny ever assaulting my wife. We had an emotional family dispute which led the police to come to our home. I love my wife dearly and I am confident she loves me"
Days later, Sheriff Bateman's wife Elsie says the assault charges were misinterpreted, and that her husband never hit her or intentionally hurt her.
Following the BAteman's arrest, Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh and other top leaders had asked for him to resign.
Sheriff Bateman refused to step down and following his acquittal now plans to resume his role in office.
"Today court found him innocent and that speaks for itself," said O'Neill.
The sheriff was on administrative duties during this investigation. He plans to take a vacation with his family and then get back to work as the Anne Arundel County Sheriff as soon as he returns.
