A man from Waleska has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after his conviction on multiple charges of violent abuse against his girlfriend. Bradley Scott McDaniel, 36, was handed down a 30-year sentence with an additional 60 months by Superior Court Judge Shannon Wallace, with the first 20 years to be served behind bars, as reported by the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office.
After a three-day trial in December, a jury found McDaniel guilty of several charges, including family violence aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and family violence battery. On the night of Feb. 13, 2023, he had brutally attacked his girlfriend, trying to strangle her. The woman made her escape from a camper on McDaniel's property only to be forcibly taken back. However, she managed to break free once more to seek help, as the Tribune Ledger News detailed.
Responding to a 911 call that night, deputies found the woman with visible injuries, including red marks on her neck and a black eye. "This is a case about breaking free – from a horrendous living situation, from a cycle of violence, and from a final terrifying attack involving strangulation," Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Ashe remarked in a statement obtained by Tribune Ledger News. McDaniel eluded police for nearly a week before being apprehended.
While awaiting his trial, McDaniel tried to further manipulate the situation by offering bribes to his victim to change her testimony, leading to two additional charges of influencing a witness, to which he pleaded guilty. District Attorney Susan Treadaway explained to FOX 5 Atlanta that "throughout this relationship, the defendant used manipulation and control, coercion, threats, and physical violence to get his way." As a repeat offender with at least five prior felony convictions, McDaniel will not be eligible for parole within these 20 years and is prohibited from any contact with the victim.
In light of this case, individuals affected by domestic violence are encouraged to reach out to the Cherokee Family Violence Center, or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Assistance is available through their 24/7 crisis hotline at 770-479-1703, or more information can be found on their website, CFVC.org.
