The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On 5/31/2022 at about 7:30 P.M., MCSO Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 29000 block of North Highway 101 in Willits, CA regarding a domestic dispute. The Deputies arrived and found the victim who advised that she and suspect Joel Neely were in a dating relationship and lived together. The Deputies were advised Neely had left the location prior to their arrival.
Deputies learned the couple was involved in an argument about how dinner was prepared. During the argument it was alleged Neely punched the victim in the face causing an injury.
Deputies checked the area for Neely but were unable to locate him. A be-on-the-look-out (BOLO) was issued for Neely related to the domestic dispute.
On 6/1/2022, an MCSO Deputy located Neely and ultimately arrested him for domestic battery (273.5 PC). Neely was transported to the Mendocino County Jail to be held in lieu of $25,000.00 bail.
Editor’s Note
The alleged actions described in this press release describe domestic abuse. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetimes.
The following are domestic violence resources available in Mendocino County and surrounding areas:
- Mendocino County
- Contact a crisis counselor at Project Sanctuary by calling (707)463-4357.
- Humboldt County
- Call Humboldt Domestic Violence Services at (707)443-6042 or at 1-866-668-6543
- Trinity County
- Contact the Human Response Network at (530)623-2024
- Lake County
- Contact the Lake Family Resource Center community crisis line at 1(888)485-7733.
- Sonoma County
- Contact the YWCA Domestic Violence Hotline at (707)546-1234
If this is true, do not wait until he bonds out to leave him miles and miles behind you! No matter what brought this on ANY man who raises a hand to ANY woman in his life doesn’t deserve another chance, EVER!!!!