Staff Report

Cory Michael Neace

LEESBURG — A South Bend man was recently arrested after allegedly battering two women in Leesburg.

Cory Michael Neace, 24, South Bend, is charged with strangulation and domestic battery with a prior conviction enhancement, both level 6 felonies; and domestic battery and battery, both class A misdemeanors.

On July 4, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy went to a Leesburg residence regarding a domestic battery report. The deputy spoke with a man who witnessed the battery, and two women who said they were battered by Neace.

According to court documents, Neace left the scene prior to the deputy’s arrival. The women said they and Neace had a verbal argument which turned physical. Neace allegedly shoved one of the women and pushed the other woman against a door while placing his hand on her neck, applying pressure. Neace also used a dog leash to hit the woman he shoved.

As the altercation continued, Neace wrapped his arm around one of the women’s necks and placed his hand over her mouth. Shortly after, a man arrived at the scene, and Neace left.

The man who witnessed the battery said he heard a loud noise coming from the residence and went to investigate. He saw Neace holding his arm around one of the women’s necks.

Neace was previously convicted of domestic battery in St. Joseph County in October 2020.

For this case, Neace was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Nov. 30, with a $6,000 surety and cash bond.