Trigger Warning: This story contains mentions of domestic violence.
Casey Johnson, father of ‘Unexpected’ Season 7 star Hunter, was back in court this week where he pleaded guilty to assault– a charge stemming from the alleged attack on his estranged wife Brettney in July.
According to Starcasm, Casey took a plea deal and agreed to change his plea to guilty, in exchange for a lesser charge of “second degree assault of a family or household member.” (He was initially charged with third-degree domestic battery.) His second charge— “endangering the welfare of a minor” was dropped as part of the plea deal.
As The Ashley reported, Casey was arrested July 23 following an incident that took place while Brettney was picking up the daughter she and Casey share. (The exes share just one child, as Hunter is Casey’s son with ex-wife Stacie Riddle. Casey was granted full custody of Hunter in May following a nasty custody battle with Hunter’s mom.)
Starcasm reports that Casey’s plea deal will not be accepted by the Arkansas court for 90 days. During this time, Casey is prohibited from having any “offensive contact or communication” with Brettney. The assault charge will be dismissed if Casey goes 90 days without violating the court’s conditions.
If Casey does violate the conditions, the filing states that, “the matter may be set for further hearing.” If the court determines that Casey did violate the conditions of his plea deal, the court “may then consider whether to accept the previously tendered plea deal and proceed according to law.”
The filing reportedly included verification that was signed by Brettney.
As The Ashley reported, Brettney and her mom, Shelli, revealed on social media what allegedly happened the night of Casey’s arrest.Brettney claimed that she was attacked by Casey while in the car with their daughter, trying to leave Casey’s home. According to Shelli, Casey “put Brettney in a chokehold, while trying to grab her keys from the ignition.” Shelli also confirmed that the exes’ daughter witnessed the altercation. (This is why Casey received that “endangering the welfare of a minor” charge.)
Police were ultimately called and Casey was arrested. He was released a few hours later after posting a $3,500 bond.
Brettney seemingly commented on the situation with her soon-to-be ex-husband, as well as the terrifying house fire that recently happened in the home that she’d been living in following her split from Casey. (Brettney revealed last week that she “lost everything” in the fire, but was able to make it out safely with her daughter.)
“It’s been a hell of a month/week,” Brettney wrote. “However, I’m still here. Still kicking and I promised myself I will walk away from all this stronger [than] ever.”
RELATED STORY: EXCLUSIVE! Trial Date Set for ‘Unexpected’ Season 7 Star Falen Vaughn’s Criminal Case
(Photos: Facebook; TLC)
[…] “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree I guess,” Bella continued, presumably referring to Hunter’s dad, Casey Johnson, who is currently dealing with his own familial issues. […]
[…] RELATED STORY: Casey Johnson– Father of ‘Unexpected’ Season 7 Star Hunter– Pleads Guilty to Assault Charge […]
Because Casey took a plea deal. He clearly didn’t want to drag things out.
On another note, how come this state can get a violent charge in front of the judge and resolved in less than a month, and meanwhile, Jace is still waiting for his day in court to spill the truth after YEARS?
I feel for this woman, and even moreso her daughter that witnessed her father attack her mother like this. As time goes on, I also feel bad for Bella and Hunter, because I don’t believe either of them had a single adult in their life that was worthy of emulating.
Maybe Bella can take some social media money and carve out a life for her and Wes when she turns 18. It won’t be much, but it’s gotta be better than waiting around for these dirt bag adults to do the next violent thing. I know how hard it is to be a cycle breaker, but I’ll never stop hoping for someone to pull through.