Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Metro Police officer who has been accused of choking his girlfriend faced similar allegations in 2011.
James Burt was arrested Tuesday and is facing charges of domestic battery by strangulation and first-degree kidnapping.
His girlfriend said Burt held her at their home, put his weight on her and held his arm around her neck during a fight Monday. She said she tried to leave when a verbal dispute over a situation at her work became heated, but when she tried to leave Burt took her car keys and the garage door opener.
Burt's girlfriend had redness around her neck and jaw, as well as bruising on her right breast, according to the arrest report.
Burt told police there was not a physical confrontation, though he said he did argue with his girlfriend.
The police report notes the similarities between these accusations and accusations his then-wife made in 2011.
Burt's current attorney, Warren J. Geller, said the previous charges "should not be held against" Burt, as they were dismissed and his record is clear.
In 2011, Burt faced charges of second-degree kidnapping, coercion and two counts of domestic violence battery. According to Las Vegas Justice Court records, his then-wife said an argument about their marriage became physical. She accused him of restraining her by holding her face and jaw, and punching her.
The kidnapping, coercion and one of the two battery counts were dismissed. The second battery count was dismissed after Burt agreed to stay out of trouble, forfeit $1,000 cash bail, and complete counseling and community service.
Burt was initially relieved of duty during the 2011 investigation, but returned after the charges were dismissed. He was terminated during an internal investigation in 2012, but won his job back in arbitration and was reinstated.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
