A Randle man was arrested Monday following an investigation into domestic violence and child abuse.
Mark A. Harbaugh, 39, is charged with one count each of second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault. Both are considered domestic violence offenses.
Second-degree assault is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Fourth-degree assault is punishable by up to 364 days in jail.
Harbaugh made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Tuesday.
Senior Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher requested a bail amount of $75,000 cash or bond, saying the state believed there was a “severe risk” to the adult victim and her children.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller argued for a bail of no more than $10,000, citing Harbaugh’s financial situation. Tiller said Harbaugh was not working, but was receiving financial assistance. She also noted Harbaugh’s lack of criminal history.
Tiller said Harbaugh could reside with friends or family members.
Judge Paul Strophy said he wasn’t concerned “at this point” that Harbaugh would fail to return to court, but said the allegations in the probable cause affidavit did “give this court concern.”
Strophy set bail at $25,000 cash or bond, and granted the state’s request for a domestic violence no-contact order on behalf of the victim, as well as an order for Harbaugh to surrender any firearms within his possession.
As part of his release conditions, Harbaugh is prohibited from contacting the victim’s children.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Harbaugh on Monday when a deputy assisted a Child Protective Services (CPS) case worker who’d received a report of possible child abuse at the home.
The two arrived at the Randle home and spoke with the adult victim. According to the affidavit, the woman described several instances where Harbaugh had assaulted one of her children.
“She also said Mark had assaulted her by dragging her through the house and throwing her on the ground,” the affidavit said.
Harbaugh allegedly pulled the woman by her hair.
The deputy reportedly verified a 911 call made on Jan. 6 after one alleged incident. The woman told the deputy she canceled the call after she saw Harbaugh arriving back at the house.
The woman reported she was “terrified” of Harbaugh, and said Harbaugh would take her phone from her at night and had set up cameras inside the home to watch her when he wasn’t there.
A witness to the alleged abuse said Harbaugh had thrown and shattered an end table while intoxicated. He then pulled the woman “through the kitchen door and threw her on the step,” according to the affidavit.
Later, Harbaugh allegedly shoved the woman onto a bed “until the bed broke,” the witness said.
Harbaugh is scheduled for an arraignment on Thursday.
