By SYDNEY KENT
Felony charges for domestic battery were dismissed for a Markle man after his wife reported she lied to police.
Johnny Saffore, 38, was convicted of one count of intimidation, a Level 6 felony, after he admitted to threatening to pour bleach on his pregnant wife. He was sentenced to 390 days in jail with 195 days of jail credit. With the credit, his sentence was effectively served.
Multiple counts of domestic battery with injury to a pregnant woman, all Level 5 felonies, and interference with the reporting of a crime, a Class A misdemeanor, were dismissed months into the case.
According to a probable cause affidavit, police were called to the Saffore residence in mid-August for a report of a domestic disturbance. The caller hung up and was unreachable. When police arrived, they located Saffore’s wife inside of her vehicle with her two children.
She reported that she and Saffore argued about animal waste on the ground. When she threatened to get rid of the animals, Saffore threatened to pour bleach on her. She said Saffore then allegedly slapped her across the face when she tried to pick up her child. A child in the vehicle reportedly stated that he heard the altercation but did not witness anything. The woman was pregnant at the time.
Saffore told police that his wife slapped herself and threatened to take his baby before she pushed him into the closet. He admitted to taking her cell phone during the 911 call and later retrieved it from a high space in the closet.
Prosecutor Colin Andrews told the court that after multiple meetings, it was clear the couple intended to get back together. During a previous hearing in the case, Saffore met his newborn baby in passing as he sat before the judge.
“I am concerned for the couple, and that these things happen more often than we know,” Andrews said. “Mr. Saffore has a history of violence. I think a period of probation is appropriate to keep eyes and ears on them.”
Saffore was convicted of domestic violence against his wife in July 2020. According to a probable cause affidavit, the two argued over Saffore using his wife’s phone to watch pornography and a physical altercation ensued.
Saffore’s wife later requested to retract her statement that he threw an ashtray at her and pushed her into a chair. However, there was enough evidence to press charges in the case.
“This appears to be a toxic relationship between him and his wife,” said Judge Kenton Kiracofe. “The parties are free to engage in whatever, if they’re content with the fighting then that’s up to them. Clearly, these two want to be in a relationship with each other, no matter how difficult. Just today, I watched the wife try to talk to Mr. Saffore while he was in court. There are a number of violations that have been dismissed. They’re going to do what they want to do.”
Saffore has repeatedly violated his no-contact order with his wife via video calls and during hearings since he was arrested in the case.
“She said she was not actually injured by him, she would admit that she was lying,” Andrews said. “She would say that she does not believe he is a threat to her or her children. I understand the court’s position is maybe she takes (domestic violence) classes, however, that being said — he will potentially be in DOC.”
Kiracofe stated he didn’t know if there was a point in utilizing the resources under the circumstances.
Saffore is facing a probation revocation in a case in Allen County. In October 2022, Saffore was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, a Level 4 felony. Two years of a three-year sentence were suspended. Because of the conviction for intimidation, Saffore could go back to prison.
“I do appreciate the resolution that has come,” Saffore said during the hearing. “I have intentions to put forth effort to rectify what has happened between me and my wife in this matter.”
Saffore is scheduled for a probation revocation hearing at 9:30 a.m. on April 11 in the Allen County Superior Court.
sydney@news-banner.com
