Jackson man charged with assault and abuse of a child

A Jackson man is facing another possible conviction in Cape Girardeau County, this time for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and abusing her 2-year-old son.

Erik M. Marshall, 31, was charged with second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child Saturday after a domestic dispute occurred with his girlfriend of several months.

According to Deputy Jerry Franks, the dispute began after the victim confronted Marshall about bruises and red marks on her child's buttocks. The victim told Franks she had seen Marshall spank him the night before.

After the confrontation and the victim stated she was leaving the residence, Marshall allegedly became angry, grabbed her shirt below her neck and pulled forcefully. Franks, in a sworn affidavit, said the victim claimed she was also choked during the dispute.

After a brief examination, Franks said he noticed red marks near the female victim's neck and purple bruising surrounded by red marks on the child's buttocks.

Marshall has numerous infractions with the law in Cape Girardeau County, which date back to 1999.

In 1999, Marshall was convicted of third-degree assault and second-degree property damage. In 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2009 he was convicted of operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license.

Marshall pled guilty to a second-degree domestic assault charge and driving under the influence of drugs in 2005 and was convicted of driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana in 2002.

Marshall posted bond on the new charges.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635