Bluffton police report that Jeremy Ernest, 28, was recently convicted of felony domestic violence in the Allen County Common Pleas Court. The conviction stemmed from a March 13, 2013, incident in the 500 block of S. Main St., according to a news announcement from the Bluffton Police Department.

Police officers responded to an initial call for assistance by neighbors reporting what sounded like a dispute. Upon further investigation, officers determined a domestic violence incident had occurred between two occupants in an adjacent apartment. 

Further investigation led officers to discover that Mr. Ernest had three prior domestic related convictions, which enhanced the local charge to a fourth degree felony.  No medical attention was required during the March 13 incident.

Judge David Cheney sentenced Ernest to 180 days in jail to be served consecutively with an unrelated conviction in Hancock County, three years of community control (probation), required Ernest to obtain his G.E.D., ordered Ernest to pay the victim $300 in restitution, and barred any further contact either directly or indirectly.  Additionally, Ernest was ordered to perform 40 hours of community service and participate in an anger management program.