Special Agent Richard Trask, the case’s public face who has testified in five conspirators’ cases, was fired two months after he allegedly beat his wife, The Detroit News reported Saturday.
Trask was charged in July with assault with intent to do great bodily harm after an alleged altercation with his wife. According to police, he and his wife had drinks at a swinger’s party in Kalamazoo County. Trask’s wife later said she didn’t enjoy the party, which led to an argument about it on their way home, according to The Detroit News.
The verbal argument later turned physical as Trask allegedly climbed on top of her in bed and repeatedly bashed her head into a nightstand, according to The Detroit News. She then reached for his beard to subdue him, but police said Trask grabbed her throat with both hands and proceeded to choke her. Trask stopped after she grabbed him by the testicles, the outlet reported. He then left their home.
An affidavit filed by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office in Kalamazoo County District Court said Trask’s wife had bloody lacerations to the right side of her head and “blood all over chest, clothing arms and hand,” as well as “severe” bruising to her neck and throat.
Trask, who was tracked down in the parking lot of a supermarket on Main Street in Oshtemo Township, refused to give a statement about the incident after he was read his Miranda rights, according to the affidavit.
Trask was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond following an arraignment in 8th District Court in Kalamazoo and faces a charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison. As part of his bond conditions, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
He Wasn’t All Bad
Earlier this month, prosecutors revealed they had decided not to use Trask as a witness during the Oct. 12 trial. The decision was announced as they referred to social media posts in which Trask called former President Donald Trump a douchebag and “piece of s—.”
Trask’s arrest came as defense lawyers started to reveal a trial strategy that involves suppressing evidence, attacking the work of FBI agents and claiming FBI informants entrapped men accused in the conspiracy.
