An Ottumwa man is accused of assaulting a woman and stealing her purse on Saturday.
41-year-old Jeramia Gillespie has been charged with third-degree theft (aggravated misdemeanor), assault with intent to inflict serious injury (aggravated misdemeanor), and willful injury – causing bodily injury (Class D felony).
Court records say that at approximately 3:00 PM on March 1, Gillespie punched a woman in the head at a residence on Ellis Avenue in Ottumwa. The victim fell to the ground, and police say Gillespie repeatedly kicked the victim in the head, neck, and ribs. According to the criminal complaint, the victim sustained cuts and bruises on her temple, neck, torso, and legs.
Gillespie allegedly took the victim’s purse, emptied its contents, and burned the purse. Police said the purse contained cash, social security cards, debit cards, a wallet, and IDs which were hidden from the victim. The value of the purse and its contents was estimated to be around $300.
Gillespie was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail. He was later freed after posting a $5,000 bond.
Gillespie has a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 10. He’s been ordered not to have any contact with the victim.
