Columbus police arrested a Steens man last week after the suspect allegedly choked a woman who lived with him.
Kenneth James Payne, 45, of Steens Caledonia Road, was charged with domestic violence aggravated assault on Oct. 14. Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton said Payne was on probation with Mississippi Department of Corrections on unrelated charges, and had not been reporting to probation officers. When investigators checked on him in his home, Shelton said, they learned he had been abusing the victim.
Per Mississippi law, choking a victim in a domestic violence case makes the charge an automatic felony.
Shelton said the victim was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle to have her injuries treated, but has been released.
According to MDOC’s website, Payne is on parole for grand larceny and embezzlement convictions.
Payne is currently in custody at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center with no bond.
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