BENTONVILLE -- A Rogers man was sentenced to 12 years in prison late Tuesday night after he was found guilty of domestic abuse related crimes.
James Moe, 29, was found guilty of aggravated assault on a family or household member, a felony; and third-degree domestic battering, a misdemeanor. He was charged as a habitual offender.
A jury deliberated for about 30 minutes before returning with two guilty verdicts. The trial concluded about 11:30 p.m.
The jury recommended the maximum punishment on both charges -- 12 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for the felony and one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for the misdemeanor.
Moe was arrested in September. Moe was accused of choking Christina Burt and injuring her, according to court documents. Burt called police to report Moe, her then-boyfriend, had hit her.
Jurors viewed photographs of Burt's injuries, watched Moe's interview with police after his arrest and listened to Burt's 911 call. Burt testified at trial as did two police officers and a 911 dispatcher. Moe testified at sentencing, but not during the first stage of the trial.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren followed the jury's recommendation and sentenced Moe to 12 years in prison. Moe must serve at least two years before he is eligible for parole.
Moe was represented by Sam Hall and Kevin Lammers, deputy public defenders. Josh Robinson and Stuart Cearley prosecuted the case. It was the first jury trial for Hall and Robinson.
NW News on 05/26/2016