Staff Report
NEWBERRY, Fla. – Authorities have arrested 37-year-old Daniel James Stone following accusations that he choked a 13-year-old boy to the point of unconsciousness. This incident occurred just hours after Stone had been released from the Alachua County Jail, where he was found guilty of driving without a valid license.
The incident unfolded around 7:10 p.m. on April 6, when deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence in Newberry. The young victim reported that Stone, agitated over a prior disagreement, had put him in a chokehold, causing him to black out.
Deputies observed visible red marks on the teenager’s face and neck, indicative of a chokehold, along with red specks around his eyes, which are signs of strangulation.
Witnesses, including other children in the home, supported the victim’s account. The deputy noted that the room where the altercation reportedly took place was in a state of disarray, suggesting a struggle had occurred.
After being read his Miranda rights, Stone claimed he was merely trying to restrain the teenager over a dispute involving a phone. He acknowledged wrapping his arms around the boy’s neck but denied any intention to choke him.
Stone has been charged with aggravated child abuse by strangulation. He has two misdemeanor convictions (non-violent) and was released from the Alachua County Jail yesterday after entering a plea of nolo contendere to driving without a valid license; he was adjudicated guilty and fined $408.
Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
