“Cover Everything Up:” Alachua County Man Arrested for Domestic Battery

Sunday evening, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputies arrested Troy Lynn Cawthon, 38, and charged him with misdemeanor domestic battery.

According to the arrest report, law enforcement was called to the incident location about a possible medical emergency. The report indicates that Cawthon was the initial caller and that he advised his mother (the victim) was bleeding and acting uncooperative. 

The arrest report states the victim "sustained visible fresh injuries to both her arms and shoulders and was bleeding from some of them."

The victim reportedly told police that Cawthon was the reason behind her injuries and that he was attempting to “cover everything up.” 

Deputy Jose Rafae Gonzalez reported, “The victim refused to cooperate and answer all of law enforcement's questions in reference to the incident but did advise that [when] she was taking a nap, [Cawthon] kicked open her room door and 'assaulted her,' meaning he committed battery against her. The victim did not want to give a detailed description of the incident and said that she would not say more about what happened other than [Cawthon] attacked her. ”

Gonzalez described the victim's injuries as consistent with someone who was in a physical altercation.

Cawthon’s brother told ACSO that he was in the house but wasn’t aware of the incident. However, Cawthon’s brother acknowledged that he heard an argument but didn’t go out of his room to check due to a history of the victim and his sibling arguing. 

Cawthon denied the allegations when speaking with police and alleged “that the injuries she sustained were from her dog jumping on her and scratching her with its nails.” 

Judge Joy Danne ordered Cawthon to be released on recognizance under orders he not contact the victim. 

Cawthon has two prior convictions for driving while intoxicated.