Baxter Troutman charged with domestic violence

LAKELAND, Fla. (FOX 13) - A former State Representative and candidate for State Agriculture Commissioner faces domestic violence after his wife says he battered her on multiple occasions dating back to 2015, according to arrest records from the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Baxter Troutman, 52, was booked into the Polk County Jail at 1 a.m. Saturday morning after his wife met with investigators to make the allegations against him. 

According to the probable cause document from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Troutman's wife said her husband battered her on four occasions: Jan. 2, 2019, Jan. 3, 2018, Sept. 30, 2018, and Jan. 14, 2015.

The documents released by Scott Wilder with the Polk County Sheriff's Office says Rebecca Troutman reported her husband of 10 years has hit her on her face with a cell phone, causing her visible injuries.

Records say Troutman grabbed his wife, who was laying on their bed, under her chin pulled her head upwards and back in an attempt to get her to get out of the bed. Troutman also allegedly turned on multiple TVs throughout their home and played loud "heavy metal" music. 

In 2015, the records state Troutman grabbed his wife's right hand and twisted it, breaking her right pinky finger.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said Troutman's wife provide photos of some of her injuries, including appropriate timestamps. 

Troutman was arrested and charged with felony aggravated battery/domestic violence, and two counts of battery/domestic violence.