A dispute over a child’s cell phone in Clearwater ended with a man in cuffs yesterday after an affidavit says he clamped the minor in a "guillotine" chokehold that restricted the youngster’s airway for at least 45 seconds. Deputies later documented visible marks on the child’s neck, according to the filing.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41-year-old George Richard Fitzgerald in Clearwater and charged him with abuse of a child, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Booking and bond information were not immediately available.
Affidavit lays out how a phone dispute escalated
An affidavit reviewed in reporting by WFLA states the confrontation started when the minor refused to hand over his phone. The document says Fitzgerald wrapped both arms around the victim’s throat in what the child called a "guillotine" choke, and the victim reported feeling his airway restricted for at least 45 seconds.
What the charge can carry
The affidavit lists an abuse-of-a-child allegation against Fitzgerald. Under Florida law, Chapter 827, abuse of a child can be prosecuted as a felony and, when it is not charged as aggravated abuse, it is typically treated as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, per the Florida Statutes.
Next steps in the case
Prosecutors will review the affidavit and decide whether to file formal charges and what specific counts to pursue. Court dates have not yet been posted. Early reporting on the arrest and affidavit was provided by WFLA, which cites the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office affidavit.
