An Ottumwa man is accused of domestic assault and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
45-year-old Keith Whaley has been charged with domestic abuse assault – third or subsequent offense and felon in possession of a firearm, both Class D felonies.
Court records say on April 26th at a residence on Bruce Street, Whaley grabbed his pregnant girlfriend’s hair and dug his finger into her neck and throat. Authorities say the victim complained of a headache and had a fresh scratch on her throat and chin. In a post-Miranda interview, officials say Whaley admitted to his actions. According to court documents, Whaley has had five previous domestic abuse convictions.
Officers executed a search warrant on the home, and a stolen Taurus 605 revolver was found under a couch in a lockbox, according to court records. Whaley has previous felony convictions of first-degree burglary and domestic abuse assault, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
Whaley was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail. He is currently free after posting a $5,000 bond.
Whaley’s first court appearance is scheduled for May 7th. He’s been ordered not to have any contact with the victim.
