By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Austin Samual Wood

WARSAW – A Milford man will serve five years on probation after being convicted of battering a pregnant woman.

Austin Samual Wood, 24, 305 Ulrich Drive, Milford, was charged with domestic battery resulting in bodily injury to a pregnant woman, a level 5 felony. Three additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Wood was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court One on Monday, May 9.

On July 2, 2021, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a domestic battery report. Upon arrival at the scene, the deputy met with a woman who said Wood had battered her.

According to court documents, the woman went to a residence when she was yelled at by Wood. As the woman got into a vehicle and attempted to lock the door, Wood entered the vehicle and began kicking the woman in the upper leg in an attempt to force her out of it. Wood then walked to the driver’s side of the vehicle as the woman was trying to get away and pushed her down. He entered the vehicle and left the scene.

The deputy noticed the woman had red marks and bruising on her leg. The woman told the deputy she was pregnant and said Wood was aware she was pregnant.

During court proceedings, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek said Wood’s plea agreement was the result of extensive negotiations and fact finding, which included a deposition from the victim.

Sobek also said mental health issues Wood has were also taken into consideration.

For domestic battery resulting in bodily injury to a pregnant woman, Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Karin McGrath sentenced Wood to five years in the Indiana Department of Correction. The entirety of the five-year sentence was suspended on probation. A no-contact order between Wood and the woman remains in effect.

As a special term of his probation, Wood must undergo a mental health evaluation. Judge McGrath encouraged Wood to take his mental health treatment seriously to avoid serving time in prison.

“This is not a normal plea agreement with a Level 5 felony,” said Judge McGrath. “It doesn’t do anyone any good to sit five years in prison, so take this as a gift. Work on yourself and take things seriously.”