Georgia Felon Receives Another Felony Conviction for Attacking Elderly Family Member in Alachua County

On November 24, Justin Lee Ethridge, 38, was sentenced to three years of probation following a no contest plea and conviction of two felonies, battery on an elderly person and hindering communications with law enforcement, in addition to misdemeanor property damage.

Ethridge received a seven month jail sentence but was granted time served as he already spent seven months in jail.

Facing a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, Ethridge took a plea deal that was accepted by Judge David Kreider. 

According to the arrest report, Ethridge, who has a prior felony conviction from 2013 for aggravated assault out of Cobb County, Georgia, physically abused an elderly family member. Ethridge pinned the victim against a bed and took her car keys when she wouldn’t let him drive her vehicle. Ethridge also took the victim’s phone and broke it.   

The victim had to leave her residence and tell a family member about the incident because she didn't have a working house phone.

Police observed bruising to the victim's forearm.

Under the conditions of his probation, Ethridge will undergo substance abuse treatment and drug screenings. 

Ethridge is currently living in Gainesville while serving out his probation.