The grand jury of Brown County returned a true bill against a man on Thursday, Oct 8 for one count of second-degree felonious assault.
According to the indictment, Nicholas K. Crawford, of Higginsport, Ohio, is accused of knowingly causing serious physical harm to Lesley Anne Raleigh, his ex-girlfriend, on Sept 16 last month.
Sgt D. Johnson of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office said Crawford punched the victim in the face, bit her in the stomach and then choked her into unconsciousness as she tried to scream for help. The victim was later taken to Mt. Orab Mercy Hospital after filing a report at the sheriff’s office.
The report says the victim also told sheriffs that Crawford took her cell phone and would not let her use it to call 911 during the incident. After pleading, Crawford eventually returned the phone, and the victim called her mother to pick her up from his residence.
Warrants were issued for Crawford’s arrest the following day. He was picked up Sunday, Sept 20 and taken to Brown County Adult Detention Center, where he remains.
Crawford is currently on probation for a 2014 conviction of fourth-degree felony theft of drugs. A probation violation hearing has been set for Oct 23.
Brown County Crime Reporter 