Jason Futch
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
A McAlpin man is facing third-degree child abuse charges following an argument that led to 43-year-old Michael Travis Nettles allegedly attacking a 12-year-old female.
According to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) probable cause affidavit, Deputy Justin Dalton responded to a call for service on Sunday, Feb. 1, at approximately 9:09 p.m.
The report states that Nettles asked the victim to hand her phone over to him, but she refused. Nettles then allegedly grabbed her around the chin and jaw area, telling her that she was “the devil” and that she should “go to hell.”
The victim later sent her mother messages and videos documenting the bruises she obtained as a result of the confrontation. Her mother then contacted Suwannee County dispatch.
Deputy Dalton observed bruising to the right side of the victim’s jaw, which he said was consistent with that of an adult hand. When questioned about the incident, Nettles denied hitting the victim and accused her of inflicting the injuries herself. He was then arrested and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm and was booked at the Suwannee County Jail. He was later released after posting bail.