Amherst Man Arrested for Child Abuse Charge

By Brandi Makuski
Portage Co. deputies on Sunday took a 48-year-old man into custody for allegedly abusing his daughter.
Marty E. Andersen, of Amherst, is facing initial charges of child abuse-intentionally cause harm and disorderly conduct following an incident at his home on the 300 block of Main Street. He was booked into the Portage Co. Jail at about 6:45 PM on Nov. 6.
According to the incident report, a caller reported a domestic disturbance at about 2:30 PM. When deputies arrived they found the suspect, identified as Andersen, drinking a beer.
According to Chief Deputy Dan Kontos, witnesses at the scene said the incident started with an argument over money.
“During the argument, as one witnessed described it, he was ‘putting his arm around one of his daughters’ necks,’ so it looks like she was put in a headlock,” Kontos said via phone on Monday, as he read from the report.
Kontos said the 16-year-old daughter struggled with Andersen in an attempt to break his hold on her. She declined medical attention, he added.
Andersen has a previous conviction of OWI, fifth offense, from 2011. He served two years in prison and two years of extended supervision.
He is scheduled to return to court at 1:30 PM on Nov. 28.