Jury Convicts Greenfield Man of Domestic Violence and Child Cruelty Charges

SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, November 12 that a jury found 32-year old Carlos Hernandez of Greenfield guilty of 1 count of misdemeanor battery on his child’s parent and 2 counts of cruelty to a child. On June 18, 2021, the mother of Hernandez’ 4 children went to Hernandez’ residence to pick up their young daughter. During the custody exchange, an argument ensued. Hernandez grabbed and pulled the woman's hair and then punched her in the face in the presence of 3 of their young children. The woman drove immediately to a safe location, called 911 and waited for police to arrive. Greenfield Police Officers Jesus Rangel and Erik Santiago were dispatched to the woman’s location and investigated the domestic violence incident, and eventually arrested Hernandez. They both testified that the woman sustained an injury to her mouth that caused bleeding. Judge Jennifer O’Keefe presided over the trial and sentenced Hernandez to 3 years of probation, 120 days in jail, and ordered him to complete 52 weeks of domestic violence classes and 52 weeks of parenting classes.