The man who manages telephone systems for businesses in The Villages, has entered a plea after an alleged attack on his wife.
David Ortwein, 49, of Summerfield, pleaded not guilty to a charge of domestic battery on Friday in Marion County Court.
He remains free on bond following his arrest March 31.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies were called to Ortwein’s home in Summerfield after he attempted to break down a bedroom door, according to an arrest report.
Ortwein began drinking at 8 a.m. that morning. When he finally gained entry to the bedroom in which his wife was sleeping, he screamed, “Ah ha.” He slammed her into a hallway closet, as she attempted to escape from the bedroom. He then forced her onto the bed. She was able to break free and call 911.
Ortwein, who was intoxicated according to the report, told deputies he was tired of his wife “sleeping during the day and not spending time with him.”
The report noted that the frame of the bedroom door was breaking away from the drywall and the paint was separating due to the pressure on the door from the hallway where Ortwein had been attempting to force it open. A lamp had also been pushed over near the bedroom closet.
At the time bond was posted for Ortwein’s release, special conditions were put on his freedom. He was ordered not to possess or consume alcohol, not to possess a firearm, and to stay 500 feet from where his wife lives and where she works. A motion was filed on his behalf on Friday to allow “non-violent contact” with his wife of two years.
Ortwein is the Telecommunication Network Manager for The Villages and has been in that role for many years.
