BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested late Wednesday night on domestic battery and invasion of privacy charges following a reported domestic disturbance at a residence on the city’s west side, according to an affidavit.
According to the affidavit, Officer Taylor Daugherty was dispatched at approximately 10:38 p.m., May 20, to the 400 block of 18th Street in reference to a verbal argument between a woman and her boyfriend.
Police said officers were initially met by two roommates who reported hearing an argument between the couple inside a back bedroom. Officers then entered the residence and made contact with Dustin Pemberton, 31, and the female involved in the incident.
According to the affidavit, Pemberton was taken into custody and placed in handcuffs while officers confirmed he had an outstanding warrant. He was then transported to a patrol vehicle.
Officers observed visible injuries on the woman, including bruising and swelling to her face, neck, and arms, as well as a swollen lower lip, according to the affidavit. Investigators said additional bruising was later observed on her wrists and arms after she removed her sweatshirt.
The woman reportedly told police she and Pemberton had argued over a fake social media account that was used to contact him after she was blocked. She also told officers she did not want to press charges and said some of the injuries were from earlier in the week.
According to police, other witnesses in the home reported hearing the woman being thrown to the floor during the argument, though they did not directly observe physical contact.
While in custody at the Lawrence County Jail, Pemberton told officers the injuries occurred “during sex,” according to the affidavit. He denied that any physical altercation occurred during the incident in question.
Pemberton was booked into the Lawrence County Jail on preliminary charges of domestic battery and invasion of privacy.
As in all criminal cases, charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
