Repeat Domestic Offender Sent To Prison In Smyrna Attack

MARIETTA, GA -- A man who attacked and kidnapped his girlfriend while awaiting trial on attacking her previously has been sent to jail. A Cobb jury recently convicted Benjamin Harmon Saine, 41, of two counts of aggravated assault in the attack that occurred the afternoon of Dec. 11, 2016 at a residence in Smyrna. The victim told police that Saine had beaten her before he put his hands around her neck and squeezed to the point she had trouble breathing. During the attack, he also lifted a piece of a door frame over his head and threatened her.

“We’re very pleased with the jury’s verdict and thankful they recognized the complexities of domestic violence and danger that this defendant posed to both the victim and community at large,” said ADA Lindsay Raynor, who prosecuted the case. “We are extremely proud of the victim for her bravery in sharing her harrowing testimony about the years of abuse she endured.”

While on bond awaiting trial, Saine collected new charges of aggravated stalking against the same victim and failed to appear in court. He was also charged with kidnapping the woman in the city of Atlanta, and the Atlanta Police Department put him on its Ten Most Wanted list. The U.S. Marshals finally took Saine in to custody in Mexico in June, and he was then deported back to the United States.

On Oct. 4, Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris sentenced Saine as a recidivist to 40 years, with the first 18 years to be served in prison without parole. Saine’s prior convictions include aggravated battery, drugs and theft.

Smyrna Police investigated this case. The trial began Sept. 24, and the jury returned its verdict on Sept. 28.

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