An Anna Maria Island builder no longer faces a charge for bringing cocaine into the Manatee County jail, but is up against charges of strangulation and false imprisonment in connection with a domestic battery.
Richard Scott Eason, 29, of Holmes Beach, was arrested Nov. 13 after his live-in girlfriend called 911 twice to report an attack by Eason, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department probable cause affidavit.
Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Assistant State Attorney Jeffrey H. Siegal filed the two new third-degree felony charges and a new second-degree misdemeanor criminal mischief charge Dec. 29.
The prosecution dropped the introduction of contraband into a detention facility charge, based on prior case law.
“There would have been opportunities for law enforcement to search and charge the defendant before they took him into the facility,” Siegel said.
The prosecutor alleges Eason impeded his girlfriend’s breathing by applying pressure on her neck or blocking her nose or mouth. It also alleges he unlawfully confined her against her will and maliciously damaged her car.
The state also filed a third-degree felony for cocaine possession because officers found the illegal drug in his wallet.
According to the HBPD officer’s affidavit, the victim told police she was strangled inside Eason’s truck but the officer saw no evidence of strangulation. The report also stated Eason struck the windshield of his girlfriend’s vehicle as she attempted to drive away.
“I fully believe he will be exonerated,” Sarasota attorney Peter Collins said about the charges against Eason, adding he plans an aggressive defense.
Eason has demanded a jury trial.
A future court date has not been set at The Islander’s press time.
The judge has ordered Eason to submit to random urinalyses, have no contact with the victim, not take illegal drugs and not drink alcohol. Eason posted $2,750 in cash bonds to secure his release from the Manatee County jail.
Eason is a corporate manager of construction companies doing business on Anna Maria Island. He is president of Eason Builders Group Inc.
The Florida Secretary of State also lists him as a corporate manager of Holmes Beach-based MEK Properties LLC and 17th St. Development LLC, and Bradenton Beach’s 209 Highland Ave. LLC.