Cherry Valley, Illinois – A 25-year-old Illinois man, Benjamin Schroeder, has been arrested after allegedly forcing a pregnant woman to swallow a lit marijuana cigar, also known as a blunt, in a disturbing midday assault that also included choking and a bizarre attempt to wash her feet, according to local police reports.
What Happened?
The alleged incident occurred on March 10 at a home on the 100 block of Lawrence Street in Cherry Valley, a small village located about 75 miles northwest of Chicago.
The victim, who lives with Schroeder, told authorities she was in bed around noon when he suddenly grabbed her by the wrists, dragged her to the upstairs bathroom, and began choking her.
Before forcing her to swallow the lit blunt, Schroeder reportedly told the woman:
“I need to wash your feet.”
The woman was treated for burns in her throat, but doctors confirmed that her unborn baby was not harmed.
Previous Allegations
The victim also told police that this was not the first time Schroeder had attacked her. She claimed he had strangled and burned her two days earlier, also during a domestic incident.
Authorities have labeled this case as a domestic battery, though Schroeder’s exact relationship to the victim has not been confirmed publicly.
Arrest and Charges
Schroeder was arrested in Wisconsin by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and has now been charged with the following:
- Two counts of aggravated battery of a pregnant woman
- Aggravated battery causing strangulation
- Domestic battery causing bodily harm
He has been granted pretrial release and is currently awaiting his first court date.