Pair charged in debt assault
MARION TWP — A couple is accused of teaming up to kick and rob a 50-year-old man at his northern Butler County home.
State police Tuesday arrested James W. Bowser, 43, and Michelle R. Fleeger, 45, both of Venango Township, in an alleged weekend attack that left the victim with broken ribs and numerous other injuries.
Troopers were called about 8:30 p.m. Friday to the man’s mobile home on County Line Road where he said the defendants confronted him over money he supposedly owed them, according to court documents.
The couple continued to demand money until Bowser allegedly grabbed the victim and held him down on the floor while Fleeger “forcibly kicked” him in the head, face, back and ribs.
The victim eventually gave up and handed over the money to his assailants, documents said. The defendants drove away in a car.
The man was taken to Grove City Medical Center and treated for multiple injuries, including two broken ribs.
District Judge Lewis Stoughton on Tuesday arraigned Bowser and Fleeger on felony charges of aggravated assault, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, and misdemeanor charges of simple assault and harassment.
Read more about this case in Thursday’s Butler Eagle.
