Ga. man sentenced for holding woman hostage, beating her, and threatening her with machete and hammer

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. (TCN) -- A 38-year-old man entered a plea deal for holding a woman hostage and physically assaulting her.

According to Cherokee County District Attorney Susan Treadaway, on June 5, David Graham pleaded guilty to charges of family violence, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, family violence battery, influencing a witness, and terroristic threats. A judge sentenced him to 50 years with the first 20 to be served in prison and the remainder on probation.

In March 2024, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to Northside Cherokee Hospital after a female victim had been physically assaulted inside a home in Woodstock. The woman reportedly told deputies that Graham "repeatedly punched and kicked her, threatened her with a machete and hammer, and held her against her will inside the home."

Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Ashe said the defendant subjected her "to prolonged and brutal violence." The prosecutor also said the defendant "had abused this woman before, and this time, he could have killed her."

Following his arrest, Graham purportedly called the victim from jail to "threaten her and pressure her to recant."

In a statement, Treadaway said, "Domestic violence threatens the safety of all citizens and has no place in our community. For this reason, we remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice for all who are affected."

Authorities did not disclose the relationship between Graham and the victim.

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