Man Convicted of Domestic Battery, Sentenced to Year of Probation

Willie James Daniels, 36, was convicted of domestic battery Tuesday and sentenced to one year of probation. 

Facing up to a year in jail, Daniels took a plea deal that was accepted by Judge Meshon Rawls.

Daniels was initially charged with felony battery, aggravated assault, child cruelty and cannabis possession, but the State Attorney’s Office decided to only prosecute him for misdemeanor battery, court records show.

According to the arrest report, the victim asked Daniels to leave her residence, leading to an argument where he pushed her toddler son to the ground. Daniels then grabbed a knife and threatened to kill the victim and her son. Before leaving the scene, Daniels spit in the victim's face.

Under his probation, Daniels cannot contact the victim and will be required to take a mental health evaluation along with an anger management program.