SHALIMAR — A Crestview resident is facing 20 years in jail.
Circuit Judge Michael Flowers sentenced James Joseph Gainey, to 20 years in prison on aggravated battery and aggravated assault charges.
At the time of the sentencing, Gainey was classified as an habitual felony offender and a prison releasee reoffender. He must serve a 15 year minimum mandatory sentence due to the nature of the offense and classification.
According to a state attorney's office media release, the charges arose from an April 23, 2015 incident when Gainey attacked the victim, his girlfriend at the time.
The release stated, "During the attack, Gainey punched the victim numerous times in the face with a closed fist. Gainey then choked the victim, head-butted the victim in the face and then took a razor and cut the victim on the hand."
The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant State Attorney Laresa Dudley was responsible for the prosecution.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview resident sentenced to 20 years