By Jacob Mathias

A Wisconsin Rapids man faces misdemeanor battery charges after allegedly beating up a neighbor after a night out.

Mitchell Stoltz, 20, is charged with misdemeanor battery which carries a maximum sentence of up to nine months imprisonment, or a $10,000 fine or both if convicted. Stoltz pleaded not guilty to the charge at his initial appearance in Wood County Circuit Court on November 23.

According to the criminal complaint, on the night of August 11 a Wisconsin Rapids Police officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of 22nd Ave. S in response to a report of an assault. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the male assault victim who said he’d gone out for drinks with Stoltz earlier in the evening.

When the Stoltz and the victim returned home, Stoltz wanted the two to have more drinks but the victim said he wanted to call it a night because he had to work in the morning.

Stoltz then reportedly “snapped” and threw the victim to the ground and began beating him up. The investigating officer reports the victim had ear and facial swelling and black and blue eyes that had swollen shut.

Stoltz is currently free on a $2,500 signature bond and is to have no contact with the victim and maintain absolute sobriety.

He returns to court on December 18 at 10:00 AM for a pretrial conference.

This case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.