Franklin Alderman Arrested For Domestic Assault, Restraining Order Violation

FRANKLIN, TN — Franklin alderman Mike Skinner was arrested in February for domestic assault and again in March for violating an order of protection.

Skinner's wife, Christy Kaser Skinner, called Franklin police on the morning of February 19 and met with an officer at the Carothers Parkway Steak 'n' Shake. She told the officer her husband had pushed her down the stairs because he couldn't find an ethernet cable. Kaser Skinner said the day before, her husband had grabbed her arm because she had hidden one of his guns.

The police report said paramedics found "slight bruising and redness" on her left hip and tenderness in her ribs. Kaser Skinner also complained her nose was sore and showed the officer bruises on her arm.

When the officer went to the Skinner home, the alderman reportedly said he knew why they were there and that his wife was in the habit of taking things he needed for work. He did not make a statement upon advice of his attorney. Skinner was arrested and charged with domestic assault and bonded out the same day. On March 5, he was arrested for violating an order of protection after returning to the home, telling police that he was told by a neighbor his wife had moved out and that his attorney advised him he could return there. Initially, a magistrate ruled there were not grounds for charging Skinner for violating a restraining order, but March 8, the district attorney asserted there was.

"Out of respect for the privacy of the parties involved, I will not discuss the details of this matter. I appreciate the love, support and confidence from my family, friends and neighbors during this difficult time. However, I will state that I am not guilty," Skinner told The Tennessean. Kaser Skinner declined comment.

Image via City of Franklin