An Ohio man is facing charges after allegedly forcing the mother of his two children into his vehicle and driving her to a secluded creek, where he is accused of strangling her.
Devonta Jones, 25, appeared in court on Saturday on charges of abduction, strangulation, and theft. Prosecutors say Jones forced the woman to leave her home and get into his vehicle, holding onto her seat belt to prevent her from getting out as he drove away. According to court documents, Jones told the woman, “Nobody will hear you here,” and later said, “I’m about to do you bad.”
Once they arrived at the creek, the woman told police a verbal argument turned physical when Jones allegedly began choking her with his hands, causing her to lose consciousness, according to the documents.
Jones is also accused of taking the woman’s iPhone without her consent during the incident.
During Saturday’s hearing, Jones’ defense attorney pointed to a previous menacing charge against his client that had been dismissed, telling the court the woman had reportedly made a false allegation against Jones in the past. The attorney argued, “I think this might be a case where somebody is weaponizing the system when they don’t get what they want.”
Jones posted 10% of his $2,000 bond and has since been released from custody. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.
The case remains under investigation, and further details are expected to come to light as the proceedings continue.
