A Flomaton man has been arrested for willful abuse of a child for allegedly beating his 11-year old son on the child's birthday and will likely face additional charges.
Gary W. Presley, 34, 20600 Highway 31, was arrested last Wednesday and transported to the Escambia County Detention Center.
Flomaton Police Chief Chance Thompson said an officer responded to a domestic complaint at Presley's address and the investigation revealed that, in addition to beating the child, Presley began firing a gun, but not in the direction of any family members.
During a bond hearing last week District Judge Eric Coale asked Presley if he had a criminal record. He told the judge he was arrested in 2005 but didn't know whether or not he was convicted.
District Attorney Steve Billy told Judge Coale that Presley was arrested and convicted of domestic violence II in Baldwin County. Billy said that charge prevented Presley from possessing a firearm and more charges were coming.
Billy told the judge that Presley assaulted the child on the child's birthday causing extensive bruises.
“He has an extensive history of abuse,” Billy told Judge Coale.
Billy also told the judge that Presley shot and killed the family pet in front of his children.
Billy asked for a bond no less than $100,000 and that if Presley makes bond he is to have no contact with the alleged victim or his family and is not allowed to possess a weapon. Coale set the bond at $100,000.
Presley also told the judge he was disabled and requested an attorney be appointed to his case. Coale agreed to appoint him an attorney.
