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Rudd man convicted by jury on reduced charges

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com 

A Rudd man who was charged with felony burglary and a domestic assault aggravated misdemeanor was found guilty last week by a Floyd County jury, but on reduced charges.

Matthew John Stiles, age 32, was arrested July 18 and charged with forcefully entering a residence and attacking a woman living there.

Matt Stiles
Matt Stiles

He pleaded not guilty and a trial was held in Floyd County District Court last week.

According to the criminal complaint filed by a Floyd County sheriff’s deputy, “The victim reports getting thrown to the ground and being hit in the head. Mr. Stiles had a screwdriver in his hand and stabbed the victim in the back causing serious injury. The victim complained of rib pain and fear of her life.”

Stiles was charged with first-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into the residence while the alleged victim was present and “intentionally or recklessly” inflicting bodily injury. The charge is a Class B felony, with a possible sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

He was also charged with domestic abuse assault while displaying a dangerous weapon or with the intent to inflict a serious injury. This charge is an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years.

Stiles informed the court he intended to rely on a defense of self-defense or justification and/or intoxication.

A trial was held in Floyd County District Court last week and the jury found Stiles guilty of the reduced charge of trespass, a simple misdemeanor, instead of first-degree burglary, and on the reduced charge of domestic assault, a serious misdemeanor, instead of the higher domestic abuse assault charge.

Judge DeDra Schroeder set sentencing in the case for Oct. 29.

The trespass conviction is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and the domestic assault conviction is punishable by up to one year in jail, plus fines, fees and surcharges.

 

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