Man, son arrested in domestic violence case; investigators allege threats and victim tampering
A domestic violence investigation in Marion County has led to the arrest of both a man accused of physically battering his ex-wife and their adult son, who allegedly threatened the victim in an attempt to coerce her into dropping the case.
On March 20, Trinity Sims Sr. was arrested and charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm after his ex-wife arrived at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office with visible injuries and reported years of physical abuse. According to the sheriff’s report, the woman had severe swelling to her face and a possibly broken jaw, along with older scarring to her ears, neck, arms, and back. She told deputies the injuries were caused by repeated beatings from Sims Sr., most recently at approximately 3 a.m. that day while the two were still living in the same home.
The victim was transported to a medical facility by the agency’s Crisis Intervention Unit due to the extent of her injuries. Deputies later arrested Sims Sr. at the home and transported him to the Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody.
The following day, March 21, the victim received threatening text messages from the couple’s adult son, Trinity Sims Jr., according to a separate arrest affidavit. While conducting a routine victim safety check, a detective with the Domestic Violence Unit learned that Sims Jr. had sent multiple text messages to his mother, pressuring her to “drop the charges” and demanding to know her location. In one message, he allegedly wrote, “If I don’t get my dad back I’m severing your f—ing head,” followed by “F— you” and “I’m ending you.”
The victim provided screenshots of the messages and expressed fear for her safety. Detectives also monitored jail phone calls made by Sims Sr. to his son, during which Sims Jr. allegedly reiterated threats and used graphic language about harming the victim, including references to “placing bullet shells” in her.
Deputies located and arrested Sims Jr., who was charged with written threats to commit bodily harm or death and tampering with a victim in a second-degree felony proceeding. He was transported to the Marion County Jail and held without bond pending his first appearance, per recent bond modification rules for second-degree felonies.
Both men are now in custody as the investigation continues. Due to the credible threats and the history of abuse, detectives have requested the implementation of the SHIELD program, which provides enhanced protections for victims in high-risk domestic violence cases.
