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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ocklawaha man jailed for grabbing woman’s throat, biting her arm

A 40-year-old Ocklawaha man was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after a woman accused him of grabbing her throat and biting her arm.

On Monday, February 13, an MCSO deputy responded to a local residence in reference to a domestic battery incident. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the female victim who was standing outside the home, according to the MCSO report.

The victim advised that James Leroy Ankney was drinking alcoholic beverages and became upset when she refused to drink with him. The victim told the deputy that she met Ankney in a recovery program and did not want to consume alcohol after being sober for a lengthy period of time.

James Leroy Ankney
James Leroy Ankney

Prior to the incident, the victim advised that she left the residence for approximately one hour, and she received threatening text messages from Ankney. In the MCSO report, the deputy noted that one of the text messages from Ankney stated, “Don’t make me hunt you down. It won’t be pretty.” It was followed by another message stating, “I’ll (expletive) you up. And whoever is in our path.”

When the victim returned to the residence, she told the deputy that she went to her bedroom in the back of the residence. Ankney approached her bedroom, swung open the door, and proceeded to confront her, according to the victim.

The victim advised that she was sitting on a bed when Ankney grabbed her throat with one hand and used his other hand to cover her mouth and nose. She told the deputy that she could not breathe, and she felt like Ankney was going to kill her due to the “look” on his face, according to the MCSO report.

The victim told the deputy that Ankney eventually let go of her and she stood up. She claimed that Ankney raised his fist as if he was going to strike her and then he “left the room yelling.” Shortly after he left the room, the victim advised that she contacted law enforcement.

The deputy observed a small red mark under the victim’s left ear. Her voice was also hoarse during the interview, which the deputy noted was likely caused by Ankney grabbing her throat.

While speaking with the deputy, the victim stated that another incident involving Ankney had occurred on Saturday, February 11. She stated that Ankney had been drinking and became upset. She claimed that Ankney proceeded to bite her on the right arm a total of three times.

The deputy observed two bruised areas on her arm that were circular and purple, and another small bruise was visible above the circular marks. These injuries were “consistent with being bitten by someone,” according to the MCSO report.

The deputy made contact with Ankney. After being read his Miranda rights, Ankney stated that he did not want to discuss the incidents with law enforcement.

A criminal history search of Ankney revealed that he was previously convicted out of Indiana County, Pennsylvania in 2014 for misdemeanor simple assault.

Ankney was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held without bond. He is facing felony charges for battery (second or subsequent offense) and committing domestic battery by strangulation.

A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 21, according to jail records.