Hope man faces neglect, strangulation charges
HOPE, Ind. (WISH) – The key witness in the trial of a suspended Hope Town Marshal has turned himself into the Bartholomew County Jail this week after an investigation that police say began back in July.
According to police, 51-year-old Anthony W. Paul was arrested Thursday after he turned himself in.
Paul has recently been in Bartholomew County’s legal spotlight for his involvement in the trial of suspended Hope Town Marshal Donald R. “Randy” Bailey, 24-Hour News 8’s news partner at The Republic report. Bailey is accused of making false accusations that led to the wrongful arrest of Paul in May 2012.
Police say Paul’s Feb. 5 arrest was the result of a warrant that was issued after a seven month investigation by Indiana State Police.
He has been accused of neglecting two dependents who were in his care.
Paul was preliminarily charged with two counts of battery of a person less than 14 years old, two counts of neglect of dependent, and one count of strangulation, all Level 6 felonies. He is being held at the jail on a $75,000 bond.
The charges stem from reports that Paul touched each of the minors in a rude, insolent or angry manner, as well as applying pressure to the throat or neck of one of the minors, and/or obstructing the nose or mouth of the minor that impeded normal breathing or blood circulation.
Bartholomew Circuit Court selected Jackson County Special Prosecutor AmyMarie Travis to prosecute the case.
Travis stated that it was coincidental that these charges were filed within a week of Bailey’s conviction.
