WILDWOOD, Fla. — A man has been sentenced to four months in jail after a violent incident stemming from marital discord over alleged infidelity. Charles Kenneth Wiggs, 35, was found guilty by a Sumter County jury on charges of battery and assault. Judge Mary Hatcher imposed the sentence this week, highlighting the serious nature of the offenses.
The events leading to Wiggs’ arrest unfolded in April 2024, following his wife’s discovery of his use of online dating apps. According to the Wildwood Police Department’s arrest report, tensions escalated when his wife confronted him about the infidelity. During a heated argument, Wiggs reportedly slapped her hand multiple times while attempting to seize her cell phone, subsequently breaking it when he threw it.
When police responded to the scene, they found Wiggs’ wife visibly shaken and upset. Initial efforts to enter the home were thwarted as Wiggs refused to allow officers inside, prompting the wife to provide a spare key. Despite her cooperation, conflicting statements from both Wiggs and their daughter complicated the situation, resulting in no immediate arrest.
After an initial attempt to leave, the wife returned home, where tensions reignited. Wiggs reportedly began to destroy furniture and personal items, including forcibly removing an Apple iWatch from her wrist. This destructive behavior further escalated the situation and highlighted the volatile dynamics within the household.
Although the initial encounter with law enforcement did not lead to Wiggs’ arrest, the culmination of evidence from the incidents convinced the jury to find him guilty. His actions, sparked by the discovery of infidelity, reflected a troubling response that ultimately led to significant legal consequences.
Wiggs’ sentencing serves as a reminder of the potential fallout from domestic disputes and the serious legal implications that can arise from acts of violence. The case has drawn attention to issues surrounding relationship conflict and the importance of early intervention in domestic situations.