A Marion County man was arrested Tuesday after deputies say he attacked his 35-weeks-pregnant wife in their home while arguing over infidelity accusations.
John James Ponte was charged with aggravated battery after deputies responded to a domestic battery complaint. According to the arrest report, Ponte arrived at the residence around 7 a.m. to watch his 7-year-old son while his wife went to work. Instead, the visit escalated into a violent altercation.
Deputies say Ponte took his wife’s phone, refused to return it, and struck her in the head before forcing her into a headlock. As she tried to escape, he allegedly threw his own phone at her, hitting her in the back. Their three children were inside the home at the time.
When questioned, Ponte admitted to throwing the phone and acknowledged putting his arm around his wife’s head, stating, “I wasn’t intending to put her in a headlock, but the way she moved around, that’s what ended up happening.”
Ponte, who has no prior battery convictions, was arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail.
