City man found not guilty during trial

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A Russellville man was found guilty of domestic violence Thursday, but was acquitted on two other charges.
Chris Hulsey, of Russellville, was arrested on Jan. 25, 2007, at 925 Orange St. and was charged with domestic violence, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
He was acquitted on the two drug charges Thursday.
Investigators said authorities responded to a call at the home from a woman who claimed Hulsey was attacking her.
While officers were on the scene, crack cocaine, crack pipes and other drug paraphernalia were found at the residence.
Testimony showed that the victim suffered bruising to the face.
The victim said she was sleeping in a chair when Hulsey pulled her up and threw her to the ground to beat her.
"He was on top of me with his knees on my arms, hitting me in the face with his fists," the victim said during the trial.
The 911 call was made after Hulsey released her and went outside. She ran to the back bedroom and called for help, according to testimony.
Defense Attorney Rebecca Green-Thomason said it was the victim who attacked Hulsey and the drugs did not belong to Hulsey.
The defense rested after only one witness, Hulsey, who said he did not attack the woman, and that he slapped her because she was hitting him.
Law enforcement officials said there were no signs that the victim had assaulted Hulsey.
"There didn't appear to be any bruising on him," Lt. Scotty Lowery said. "If there had been, there would have been a picture taken of him as well."
After deliberating a short time, the jury came back with a guilty verdict on the domestic violence charge, but a not guilty verdict on the drug charges.
According to the Alabama Criminal Code, third-degree domestic violence is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries upton one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.