Abuser Put Belt Around Child's Neck, Then Tried To Hoist: Police

KINGSTON, NY — An Ulster County man was arrested for a particularly shocking domestic violence incident, according to authorities.

The Kingston Police Department says that 36-year-old Jeffery Roberts, of Kingston, was arrested on Tuesday, and charged with two counts of felony second-degree attempted assault, felony second-degree attempted strangulation, four counts of felony first-degree criminal contempt, five counts of misdemeanor second-degree criminal contempt, and three counts of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.

On Tuesday, around 5:25 p.m., Kingston detectives responded to an apartment on Wall Street after receiving a report of a violation of a full stay away order of protection. After police saw Roberts in the home of the protected party, he was placed in custody and taken to Kingston Police Department headquarters.

After interviewing the victim and the children, police determined that Roberts had placed a leather belt around the neck of one of the children and attempted to lift the child off of the ground. Police say that Roberts also subjected the protected person and the children to "physical contact during the course of the dispute."

Roberts was processed, held for arraignment, and then remanded to the Ulster County Jail with bail.

Kingston police say that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing and ask that anyone with information contact Detective Michael DeFrance or Detective Ernie VanDeMark at 845-943-8404. They can also be reached via email at this email address or this email address.