Florida man charged with knife assault in Cottonwood County
Apr. 1—WESTBROOK — James Allen Hicks, 59, of Interlachen, Florida, is charged in Cottonwood County Fifth District Court with felony-level second degree assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor domestic assault following a March 21 incident in Westbrook.
According to the law enforcement report, the Cottonwood County Sheriff's Office received a report of a verbal domestic at a Westbrook residence. Upon arrival, an investigator was reportedly met on the front porch by Hicks, the victim and the reporting party.
Hicks reportedly stated that he and the victim were arguing and "it got pretty heated." The victim, meanwhile, stated that Hicks held a silver, fixed blade kitchen knife to their throat. The victim was reportedly visibly shaking and very emotional.
The victim also stated that Hicks needs help, and that he took off his shirt and said if the victim didn't tell him something, he was going to hurt them or himself. The victim reported that Hicks then put them in a chair with his knees on their arms and put the knife up to their neck.
Hicks reportedly admitted he had a knife and then showed officers the knife he used.
If convicted, Hicks faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and/or a $14,000 fine, but not less than one year and one day in prison on the second degree assault charge, and 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine on the domestic assault charge.
Note: This article was written based on information reported by local law enforcement agencies. The Globe reminds readers that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Also, the Southwest Crisis Center is available in our community to support and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence. For questions about services or how you can help, contact the Southwest Crisis Center at 1-800-376-4311 or
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