Jimmy Don Lewis, 50, could face up to 10 years in prison or one year in the county jail if he is convicted of allegedly beating Jimmi Don Risley of Vian on the head with a chuck key, a round tool used to tighten the neck of a drill press. Lewis' trial is set for Dec. 6.
Lewis was released from the Sequoyah County Jail in Sallisaw in May on a $10,000 bond after a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to court records.
The charge stems from an incident in January when Vian police were called to Lewis' machine shop because Risley told police he had been beaten by Lewis.
According to the court records, Risley told police that he went to the shop because he wanted permission to dump some tree limbs on a piece of property owned by the town of Vian. Lewis allegedly told Risley he no longer was allowed to use the land because it had been leased by Vian Schools, and an argument between the two men then ensued.
Risley and Lewis allegedly became angry and started cursing and shoving each other. Lewis allegedly picked up a chuck key and hit Risley several times on the head. The charges allege Risley had five large lacerations above his eye, on his lip, and on the back of his head that required stitches.
