Alva Review-Courier -

A woman arrived at the Cherokee Police Department Saturday, March 11, to report a physical altercation with her husband.

According to court documents, Jessica Jeffrey arrived at 9:43 p.m. and talked to Cherokee Assistant Police Chief Ryan McNeil. She said she has been staying in Cherokee after getting into a fight with her husband, Michael Jeffrey, in Harper, Kansas. Following an arrest in that incident, there was a court order that they were to have no contact.

Jessica said that Michael arrived unannounced at the house where she was staying in Cherokee and began drinking alcohol. She said his behavior and attitude began getting out of hand. She told him to leave, but she said he became violent and punched her in the head and face several times. She told him she was going to the police, and Michael fled on foot.

While interviewing Jessica, McNeil observed a large hematoma in the center of her forehead. Jessica said she had been punched up to five times.

McNeil attempted to locate Michael Jeffrey but was unable to do so. About 3:51 a.m. on Sunday, Alfalfa County Dispatch contacted McNeil to let him know Michael had turned himself in. McNeil could not see any injuries on Michael. McNeil also learned that the couple’s 3-month-old child had been present during the altercation.

On March 13 in Alfalfa County, Michael Earl Jeffrey, 46, of Harper, Kansas, was charged with two felonies: (1) domestic abuse – prior pattern of physical abuse and (2) domestic assault and battery in presence of a minor. Count one is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years and/or a fine of not more than $5,000. Count 2 is punishable by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years and/or up to a $7,000 fine.