Robert Claude Rothermich of Gerald was charged Nov. 18 with the class D felony of second-degree assault in a case investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) related to an alleged May 24 altercation.

According to FCSO, Rothermich showed up to the alleged victim’s address uninvited where he was met by the alleged victim’s wife, who was reportedly involved romanticallty with both men.

FCSO reports being informed the woman first met Rothermich outside and told him to leave before the alleged victim came outside and also told him to leave.

Witnesses on scene corroborated the alleged victim’s story that Rothermich struck them with a bat two to three times before the alleged victim pulled a knife out and attempted to stab him.

Rothermich allegedly claimed that the interaction was reversed, with the alleged victim first attempting to stab him before he struck them with the bat.

The probable cause statement advised that the injuries sustained by the victim required staples to their scalp due to the large laceration.

FCSO requested a warrant for Rothermich’s arrest citing a prior conviction for involuntary manslaughter from March 11, 2019.

A warrant was issued Nov. 19 with bond set at $25,000 cash only. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim and is prohibited from possessing a weapon.