A one-day trial ended Tuesday night when a former Columbus resident accused of beating and confining his former live-in girlfriend was acquitted of all charges.
The six-member Bartholomew Superior Court 1 jury deliberated for two hours before finding Craig A. Carter, 26, of Greensburg, not guilty of criminal confinement, domestic battery and resisting law enforcement.
The charges stem from a Nov. 17, 2012, incident at the apartment the former couple shared in the 1400 block of Ruddick Avenue.
The ex-girlfriend claimed that Carter had broken one of her fingers and shoved her head to the bathroom floor during a fight, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by Columbus Police officer Randy Baker.
She also said Carter kept her from leaving the apartment for almost six hours and that she escaped while he was in the bathroom, the affidavit stated.
When confronted by police, Carter told them the woman had battered him, adding he was actually demanding the ex-girlfriend leave the apartment during the time she said she was being held against her will, the affidavit stated.
Investigators noted in their reports there were no witnesses to what actually happened, and that both Carter and his former girlfriend were intoxicated at the time.
Although police claim Carter resisted arrest the next day during his apprehension, the defense maintained he was doing nothing more than yelling at a family member whom he blamed for his arrest, court records state.
While Carter was placed in jail briefly at the time for resisting arrest, he was not arrested on the criminal confinement and domestic battery charges until nine months later, according to arrest logs.
Delays in the trial were the result of defense requests for continuances, as well as changes in defense attorneys, court records show.
