Gainesville Man Arrested for Sexual Battery & Justice Obstruction

Travis Lamont Hale, 45, was arrested on November 13 and charged with sexual battery, domestic battery, obstructing justice and property damage. 

On November 9, Hale reportedly accused the victim of cheating, despite her just being at her apartment with family members. Hale called the victim’s family to confirm she was with them. Hale continued arguing with the victim even after getting the confirmation. 

Hale told the victim to drive him home, and she didn’t want to because of prior incidents where Hale hit her while driving. The two got in the car, and the victim began driving. Hale yelled at her while in the passenger seat and destroyed the victim’s phone.  

Hale asked to be dropped off and a Steak and Shake, and the victim dropped him off. 

An hour later, Hale showed up at the victim’s house and accused her of seeing someone else again. Hale began searching around the victim’s house and didn’t find anyone, but he still punched her several times and choked her unconscious. 

Hale cleaned up the house following the battery, destroying evidence, granting him the justice obstruction charge.

Hale reportedly tried to be apologetic the following day and cried over the injuries that he caused the victim. Hale continued to be abusive, forcing the victim to come with him to work and not letting her leave his sight. The following Monday, Hale raped the victim.  

The State Attorney’s Office made a motion for pretrial detention on Hale, and it was granted by Judge Phillip Pena.