Smiths Grove man charged with criminal abuse and strangulation involving teen

SMITHS GROVE, Ky. – A Smiths Grove man is behind bars after an alleged assault case involving a teen.

According to a uniform citation, the Barren County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched on Friday night to a report of a 17-year-old that had been assaulted.

Authorities say the victim had been transported to T.J. Samson Community Hospital by a neighbor.

Upon arrival, deputies say they spoke with the victim, who stated that they, along with 35-year-old Michael George and George’s fiancée, had been drinking.

Authorities say the teen stated they had been residing at George’s home.

According to the citation, the victim stated George caused multiple fractures to the victim’s face and grabbed the victim by the throat.

Deputies say the teen had visible bruising and swelling on the victim’s face and marks on the victim’s neck.

The victim was transported to University of Kentucky hospital for facial surgery.

When George returned to the residence, authorities say he was arrested.

He remains at the Barren County Detention Center on charges of first-degree criminal abuse and first-degree strangulation (non-domestic violence).