Corbin man accused of severely beating girlfriend

Tony Johnson

A Corbin man accused beating his girlfriend so severely that she had to be taken to the hospital emergency room Saturday night, pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree assault – domestic violence.

Fifty-five-year-old Tony Johnson, who is also facing one count of public intoxication – controlled substance, was arraigned Tuesday in Whitley District Court via video from the Whitley County Detention Center.

Judge Fred White set the case for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday. Johnson’s bond remains at $15,000 cash.

Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Johnson about 10:15 p.m. at a residence on McKeehan Crossing Road off of U.S. 25W.

According to Sheriff Colan Harrell, deputies were called to the scene after the woman had dialed 911.

Upon arrival Deputy Joe Prewitt and Sgt. Kirk Mays reported finding Johnson standing in the middle of the road and quickly took him into custody.

In addition to beating her about the face, neck, arms and chest, the victim told deputies that Johnson produced a pocketknife and threatened to kill her.

Harrell said it was unknown what the couple had been fighting about.

However, the victim reported that Johnson had crushed and snorted two or three Percocet pills about 6 p.m.

The woman was taken by ambulance to Baptist Health Corbin for treatment of her injuries.

Under Kentucky Law, first-degree assault is a class B felony carrying a potential prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.

Johnson remains in the Whitley County Detention Center.