By Staff Report
According to a release from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, two individuals were arrested on Jan. 9, following an investigation into a reported case of false imprisonment and aggravated battery.
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office investigators were initially contacted by Walton County authorities after a woman arrived at a hospital in DeFuniak Springs with severe injuries. The victim reported she had been held against her will for several days and repeatedly beaten by Jesse Rhodes.
Following the investigation, HCSO investigators obtained arrest warrants for Rhodes on charges of false imprisonment, aggravated battery, and obstruction of justice.
Deputies with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Task Force, responded to a residence off Alford Road, where Rhodes and a female identified as Deann Fugate were located. While taking Rhodes into custody, deputies observed a firearm in plain view inside the residence. Investigators noted that Rhodes is a convicted felon who had been released from prison approximately three weeks earlier and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Investigators then obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the search, methamphetamine was located inside the home in addition to the firearm. As a result, Rhodes faces additional charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of methamphetamine.
During the course of the investigation, Fugate was interviewed and admitted to striking the victim several times. Fugate was taken into custody and charged with battery, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ali Moreland 