Taunton Domestic Batterer Sent to Jail

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office
Thomas M. Quinn III
District Attorney

Press Release
May 18, 2017

A 33-year-old Taunton man who repeatedly punched his girlfriend in the face during an altercation at their home this past March was sentenced to jail time this week in Taunton District Court, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today.

On the day of his scheduled jury trial, Frederick Stempka opted to plead guilty to charges of assault and battery on a household member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

In early march of this year, while in bed with the victim, the defendant became enraged and punched her in the face several times. The defendant also grabbed the victim by her hair and pulled with great force, causing bruising on her head. After the victim fell to the floor, the defendant continued to kick her in the torso and legs.

The victim was hospitalized, treated for several bruises and received stitches for a laceration above her eye.

During a sentencing hearing in Taunton District Court on Monday, Judge Michael Brennan accepted the  sentencing recommendation made by Assistant District Attorney Megan Burns.  The defendant was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in the house of corrections, with one year to serve. The balance of the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning if the defendant were to commit new crimes during that time period, he could be ordered to serve the remaining 18 months of the jail sentence.  The judge also ordered the defendant to undergo batterers counseling and abide by the terms of an active restraining order the victim filed against him.

“I am pleased that the defendant was held accountable for this violent assault,” District Attorney Quinn said.

Contact:

Gregg Miliote

Director of Communications

508-997-0711

774-292-9576—cell