Mayor Bodker Arrested For Simple Battery After Family Dispute

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker was arrested Sunday for battery during an encounter with his estranged wife, Lisa, Fulton County Jail records show. Bodker, who is in the midst of a divorce, was taken into custody after a 911 call was made Sunday morning, the city said.

Bodker was charged with simple battery - family violence, and made his $1,000 bond.

The mayor said in a statement that he is in the midst of a contentious divorce, and asked for privacy.

"I can't comment, other than to say, there was a dispute at my family residence, which resulted in my arrest," Bodker said in a statement. "It is an open legal matter and I cannot comment on the details. I look forward to when I can as I will be vigorously defending myself. This came in conjunction with a contentious divorce as many have gone through this in their lifetime, I hope they will respect my privacy and my family's privacy, especially in light of my young children."

According to a Johns Creek incident report, officers were shown a video by Bodker's wife, Lisa, when he brought one of their children to her. The report says Lisa Bodker records their exchanges as they go through the divorce.

In the video, officers said they heard Mike Bodker say "get it out of my face" regarding the cellphone recording him. The phone then "appears to be knocked to the side and (Lisa) yells 'don't touch me!' the report says.

Lisa Bodker said her estranged husband grabbed her wrists and ankle, leaving red marks. The officer said in the report her ankle and wrists were pink, but had no major injury, so the officer did not take photos of her.

Mike Bodker told officers his wife records him and "tries to get a reaction out of him." He claims he brought the child to Lisa Bodker, who "started berating him while holding her phone very close to his face while he was trying to keep the child from falling off the bed."

In the report, Mike Bodker said he put his hand on his estranged wife's wrist to push her arm and camera from being close to his face.

The mayor was arrested for simple battery after the officers saw the video and photos.

Miked Bodker was elected the first mayor of Johns Creek on Nov. 7, 2006. His term began on Dec. 1 of that year. In January 2018, he was sworn in to his fourth term in office.

He has three children.