Repeat offender Jason Leaphart, 27, of Ben Franklin Road in Leesville, received a combined sentence of 20 years for Domestic Violence, Unlawful Conduct towards a Child, and violating probation. The sentenced was announced Wednesday by the office of Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard.

Leaphart injured an infant during a domestic violence assault. He received an active sentence of 10 years on the child abuse charge. He also received a consecutive sentence of 10 years for violating his probation by committing the crime of domestic violence. The sentence was handed down by Circuit Court Judge William P. Keesley.

Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard stated, “Domestic Violence remains a priority. Sending the message to abusers that they will be held accountable is the first step in protecting victims and diminishing these crimes within our community.”

The child victim sustained bruising to the head area when Leaphart assaulted the mother of the child while she was holding the 3 month old infant. The assault occurred on the evening of May 13, 2017 at the family residence in Leesville. Leaphart’s lengthy criminal record includes convictions for burglary 3rd degree, burglary 2nd degree, assault & battery 2nd degree, receiving stolen goods, and most recently, intimidation of a court official in 2017. Leaphart threatened a previous probation agent who was handling his case.

The domestic violence investigation was conducted by Deputy Carvajal of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the probation violation was handled by probation agent Dan Lake of the Saluda County Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services. The prosecution of this case was handled by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor La’Jessica Stringfellow. Stringfellow stated, “This case illustrates why curtailing domestic violence must continue to be a priority in order to ensure the safety and well-being of both adult and child victims.”

Leaphart was transferred to the S. C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of his sentence.