Hernando County deputy charged with domestic battery

SPRING HILL — A Hernando County sheriff's detective has been placed on administrative leave after his arrest Saturday on a charge of misdemeanor domestic battery.

Jeffrey Swartz, 34, was taken to the Hernando County Jail. It wasn't immediately clear Sunday afternoon if Swartz was still behind bars.

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Donna Black said Swartz has worked at the Sheriff's Office since April 2001 and was assigned as a detective in the District 2 office.

According to the arrest report, Swartz was hosting a get-together at his home in Spring Hill where alcohol was being served. During the night, the report said, Swartz and his wife got into an argument that turned physical.

Swartz pushed his wife to the floor of their bedroom and placed his arms around her neck, but she was able to break free, the report said. Swartz tried to restrain his wife by grabbing her arms, but she was able to fend him off and call the Sheriff's Office for help, the report said.

Deputies who arrived at the scene said the wife had red marks on the front of her neck and right arm, which were consistent with her allegations. Swartz had red marks on his right arm. Neither Swartz nor his wife required medical attention.

Black declined to comment further about the arrest.