BEDFORD– A Bedford man is facing felony charges following a domestic incident that occurred on February 17, 2025.
Elias Bartlett, 22, was arrested after a report of a domestic disturbance led to allegations of physical abuse toward his female partner at a residence in Lawrence County.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Deputy D. Miller of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, officers responded to a 911 call from the 600 block of Vinegar Hill Road. Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Miller was greeted by family members of the female victim who reported that she and Bartlett had been involved in a verbal altercation.
The woman’s mother explained that Bartlett was in the shower, preparing to leave the residence, when she told him to leave due to concerns over the water usage. When the female victim was asked whether the argument had turned physical, she initially claimed it was just a verbal dispute. However, when informed that a report would be filed with the Department of Child Services, she became emotional and changed her account, stating that Bartlett had bitten her on the cheek and shoulder and punched her in the side.
Deputy Miller observed visible injuries on the woman’s body, including bite marks on her shoulder, though she claimed there were no bruises from the alleged punch. She declined to sign a formal battery affidavit and did not wish to press charges but allowed officers to photograph her injuries.
When questioned, Bartlett denied the accusations, claiming that he had only been involved in a verbal argument with the female and suggested that the bite marks could have been caused by her mother, despite the victim’s statement. Bartlett also mentioned that the couple’s two children had been present throughout the day.
As the investigation unfolded, the female victim confirmed that she had thrown a phone at Bartlett, but only after he had allegedly bitten her. Bartlett, who was read his Miranda rights, continued to deny the allegations, even going so far as to suggest that the victim’s mother was responsible for the injuries.
Bartlett was later transported to a different residence in Bedford. During the ride, he told Deputy Miller that the victim’s mother had a history of biting the female victim due to her schizophrenia.
The information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Bartlett’s arrest on a charge of domestic battery, a Level 6 felony.
The Department of Child Services has been notified of the incident.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
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