A well-known Anna Maria Island builder was arrested Nov. 13 and faces charges of domestic battery, possessing cocaine and bringing the drug into the Manatee County jail.
Richard Scott Eason, 29, of Holmes Beach, was arrested after an alleged altercation with his live-in girlfriend while parked in his truck in their driveway.
Eason is the president of Eason Builders Group Inc., formed in July 2009, and manager of MEK Properties, LLC, both businesses listed as being run out of his home, according to the Florida Secretary of State website.
He’s also a manager of other companies doing business on Anna Maria Island, including 17th Street Development, LLC, of 213 84th Street, Holmes Beach, and 304 60th Street LLC, of Bradenton, according to the state website.
Eason and his girlfriend were reportedly arguing inside his truck when she was choked, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.
As she attempted to leave the residence in her vehicle, Eason allegedly tried to stop her and struck her vehicle’s windshield with his hand.
The woman became scared and called 911 twice, according to the probable cause affidavit of HBPD Officer Christine Labranche.
Several HBPD officers responded to the scene.
Labranche wrote in her affidavit that she observed a cracked windshield and red marks on the woman’s arms, but no evidence of choking. She noted that the victim was upset and crying.
The woman declined to file an affidavit, stating she did not want to get Eason in trouble, according to Labranche’s report.
While Eason was booked at the Manatee County jail, a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy found two small bags containing a white powdery substance in Eason’s wallet, according to a probable cause affidavit by HBPD Officer Josh Fleisher.
The substance reportedly tested positive for cocaine.
The battery charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, and the cocaine possession and contraband transportation are third-degree felonies.
A $1,500 bond was set on each of the felony charges.
The first court date in Eason’s case is set for 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 12, in the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.