Man found guilty for beating his fiancee

Kaitlin Greenockle
The Evening Sun
Steven John Gardner Jr.

Update, Jan. 22:

Steven John Gardner Jr., was found guilty of terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault. He was found not guilty of strangulation, according to online court documents.

Gardner was sentenced seven to 14 months in prison and 60 months probation for his terroristic threats charge; four to nine months prison and 24 months probation for his recklessly endangering another person charge; and 24 months probation on both counts of simple assault, documents state.

He must complete a care program, drug and alcohol treatment, alcohol safe driving program, community service and an anger management program, documents state.

Gardner also cannot consume or possess alcoholic beverages, own, sell or transport any firearms and connot have any contact with Stephany Nonemaker, documents state.

He also must pay $575 in costs and fines, along with a $40 a month local offender's supervision fee.

Previously reported, Aug. 25:

A Cumberland Township man was charged after he allegedly beat his fiancée for four hours, choked her and threatened her with a pistol.

Steven John Gardner Jr., 28, of the first block of Winslow Court, allegedly began arguing with Stephany Nonemaker at 9 a.m. on May 9, and police were dispatched to the scene at 1:12 p.m. after a bystander called 911 after hearing Nonemaker yell for help, according to an affidavit filed with District Judge Mark Beauchat.

Nonemaker told police Gardner was yelling at her and grabbed her around the neck. She said she began to have trouble breathing and was scared he was going to hurt her, the affidavit states.

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Police spoke with her again the next day and she told them she remembered more of what happened. She said Gardner was beating on her for four hours with his hands and feet, police said in the affidavit.

She also said he used his foot and body weight to press on her neck. She ran outside for help, but she said Gardner dragged her back inside and up the stairs by her hair, the affidavit states.

Gardner then allegedly got a loaded pistol from the kitchen, pressed it up against Nonemaker's temple and said he was going to kill her, police said in the affidavit.

Police seized a loaded Beretta 9mm pistol from the residence, and it was registered to Gardner. Nonemaker also provided police with pictures of injuries she sustained, the affidavit states.

Gardner was charged with strangulation, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault, according to online court documents.

His bail was set for $25,000, which he posted, and he has a plea date scheduled for Aug. 29, documents state.

Gardner's attorney could not be reached for comment. 

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