The Maryland sheriff charged with assaulting his wife in April has been acquitted.
Anne Arundel County Sheriff Ron Bateman was found not guilty on Wednesday, by Judge Floyd Parks.
Bateman was arrested and charged with second-degree assault after his wife, Elsie Bateman, called 911 while the couple was having an argument, police said.
In the released recording of the 911 call, a woman who identifies herself as Elsie Bateman can be heard saying, “The sheriff is drunk and he just punched me in the eye.”
Bateman said he did not assault his wife, but that he held her down when she grabbed his money clip, according to court documents.
Elsie Batemen later said in a statement to the Capital Gazette, “At no point did Ron punch or hit or kick me.”
After the arrest, Bateman's guns were confiscated, and he worked in an administrative capacity. Police Chief Timothy Altomare said Bateman would not return the guns until the case was concluded.
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Bateman said through his lawyer, Peter O'Neill, that he is grateful the case was resolved, and that he looks forward to returning to work and serving county residents.
