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Man allegedly punched, kicked wife
A jobless man allegedly punched his common-law wife more than 10 times in the head and face, kicked her twice, and pulled her hair at their home in Chalan Kanoa last week.
Paul Helgenberger Taitano, 35, is also accused of slapping the victim, who was then holding their 1-year-old infant. He also allegedly threw her to the ground and threw a flowerpot at her, police said.
Taitano was arrested for assault and battery and disturbing the peace. His bail was set Friday at $10,000 cash. Preliminary hearing will be on May 8 at 9am.
Assistant public defender Cindy Nesbit was appointed as Taitano’s lawyer. Assistant attorney general Chester Hinds appeared for the government.
Preliminary investigation showed that a police officer responded to a disturbance call at Kappon Apartment in Chalan Kanoa on Thursday at 6:23am.
Igitol said the officer met with the victim, who had a swollen cheek and dirt over her arms and body.
The victim told police that when Taitano woke up that morning, he badgered her about her whereabouts the night before. She took their 1-year-old child and walked out of the house. Taitano followed her, slapped her, and told for her to return inside. When she refused, Taitano threw her down to the ground. She got up and walked to a neighbor’s house to call the police. That’s when Taitano allegedly threw a flowerpot at her. The report did not indicate whether she was hit.
Police also learned that on Thursday, Taitano punched and kicked the victim and pulled her hair.
Taitano was arrested on Thursday morning.
