AACo. Sheriff Denies Domestic Assault, Says Wife Recanted Story

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- An Anne Arundel County sheriff who was arrested on a second-degree assault charge has denied hitting his wife.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Sheriff Ronald Bateman said the incident involving his wife was blown out of proportion and that the couple love each other very much.

Tracey Leong has the latest.

Visibly nervous, Anne Arundel County Sheriff Ronald Bateman denied hitting his wife two days after being charged.

"Things were said to police with high emotions, high stress and anger that were blown out of proportion and not true," Bateman said on Tuesday.

Authorities responded to the couples' Pasadena home Sunday night, where charging documents detail a physical altercation ensued.

Documents obtained by WJZ indicate the sheriff threw his wife into a wall, which caused her to hit the back of her head.

Mr. Bateman then allegedly hit her in the left side of her face and her mouth

Bateman's wife Elsie had injuries to her face, claiming Bateman hit her.

The 54-year-old sheriff says his wife has recanted the story and they're both embarrassed by this matter.

"If you follow Elsie on Facebook, she posts everything on Facebook," said Bateman.

Following the alleged beating, Elsie took to Facebook, saying: "First off let me start by saying YES I am fine and will be fine Secondly so is My husband Ron Bateman. i would appreciate all the nasty comments to STOP immediately."

Sheriff Bateman has returned to work on administrative duties. His weapons and credentials were taken during the investigation.

Anne Arundel County police say they are leading the investigation, calling it uncharted territory.

"It is been very important to us as a police department that we did the right thing for the right reasons at the right moment in this incident," said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Timothy Altomare.

Sheriff Bateman's wife Elsie did not suffer serious injuries and refused treatment at her home on Sunday.

A child was home during the alleged assault and was not hurt.