Cape man who pleaded guilty to domestic assault gets seven years in prison

A Cape Girardeau man who pleaded guilty to beating his girlfriend and a romantic rival received seven years in prison Monday.

Benjamin C. Orwig, 36, pleaded guilty last month to second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, misdemeanor assault of a law enforcement officer, third-degree assault and resisting arrest in connection to an early morning altercation in July. Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge William Syler sentenced him to seven years in prison Monday.

Police responded to a call about a disturbance at about 3:40 a.m. July 22. Officers found a man and a woman at an apartment complex who had both been assaulted.

"I take full responsibility for what happened," Orwig told Syler.

The two were reportedly assaulted during an altercation that began between the woman and Orwig. According to police reports, the woman was in a relationship with Orwig and he assaulted her and forced her to give him the address of the man she was allegedly having another relationship with.

Orwig and the woman then drove to the man's residence. Police allege Orwig hit the man numerous times in the face, pushed him to the ground and continued to assault him.

Orwig's estranged girlfriend asked Syler to give Orwig the largest sentence he could bestow.

"I'm scared of him," she said. "He's still going to be a violent person when he gets out. He's abused me for over two years."

Orwig's girlfriend said that she has been receiving calls from people who say they will assault her because of her role in Orwig's arrest. She also fears Orwig will be released from prison and find and beat her again.

psullivan@semissourian.com

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