Bobby Winebarger

IRON MOUNTAIN — An Iron Mountain man accused of beating a woman with a wrench in June pleaded guilty Tuesday, one day before his jury trial was set to begin.

Bobby Winebarger Jr. 36, was convicted in Dickinson County Circuit Court of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

In exchange, Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristin Kass agreed to dismiss a separate file in Dickinson County District Court in which Winebarger was charged with witness intimidation, a 15-year felony.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 3.

According to the criminal complaint, Winebarger repeatedly struck a woman in the abdomen with a wrench June 11, causing injuries severe enough to require surgery.

Iron Mountain Police officers were called to the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital after the 27-year-old woman came to the emergency room with what were described as significant injuries, according to an earlier news release from Iron Mountain Director of Police and Fire Services Ed Mattson.

With a warrant and the assistance of the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department, police searched a North Side residence and arrested Winebarger after reportedly finding evidence of the assault, Mattson stated.