By Jacob Mathias

A Plover man faces felony battery charges and a Rapids woman is charged with disorderly conduct after police responded to a domestic disturbance.

Jesse Gardner (Photo courtesy of Wood Co. Jail)

Juan Martinez, 26, of Plover faces charges for substantial battery to commit bodily harm, a class I felony with a maximum sentence of three years and six months imprisonment, or a $10,000 fine or both if convicted. He is also charged with misdemeanor bail jumping which carries a sentence of nine months imprisonment, or a $10,000 fine or both.

Jesse Gardner, 32, is charged with disorderly conduct, a class B misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 90 days imprisonment, or a $1,000 fine or both if convicted.

A bench warrant is currently active for Gardner who failed to make her initial appearance in Wood County Circuit Court on October 12.

According to court documents, Wisconsin Rapids Police officers were dispatched to a residence on August 22 in response to a domestic disturbance on 17th St. and Saratoga St. Upon arrival they spoke with Jesse Gardner who reported to be Martinez’s girlfriend.

Gardner alleged that Martinez had punched her in the face while they had been arguing about his interaction with another woman. Witnesses to the scene reported that Gardner had first pushed Martinez. He then reportedly chased her and punched her in the face.

Gardner reported her nose was broken.

At the time of the disturbance, Martinez was free on a $500 signature bond relating to a disorderly conduct and domestic abuse incident from July 2.

No court dates are currently scheduled for Martinez or Gardner.