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Ava Doctor Charged With Domestic Assault

Martin R. Sevrey

An Ava doctor was arrested last Friday night and charged with domestic assault following an incident at the couple’s home east of Ava.
Court records show Martin R. Sevrey, 70, is charged with domestic assault in the first degree and a second count of felonious restraint.
Sevrey was arraigned in Douglas County Circuit Court Tuesday morning. The doctor appeared with his attorney, Christopher Swatosh, of Ava, who requested a review of the current $100,000 cash-only bond. Associate Circuit Judge Craig Carter set the bond review hearing for Monday afternoon at 1:30.
Following his arraignment, Dr. Sevrey was returned to the Douglas County Jail.
Douglas County Sheriff Chris Degase said officers became aware of the altercation when the Sheriff’s Office dispatcher received calls Friday night from an unknown caller. Although the caller did not speak directly to the dispatcher, the dispatcher said it was evident that a domestic disturbance between a man and woman was taking place.
Deputy Nathan Long, assisted by Ava Police Lieutenant Trent Murray and Deputy James Gilbert, drove to the home and after questioning both subjects, placed Martin Sevrey under arrest.
His wife, Rachel, was transported by ambulance to a Springfield hospital with injuries consistent with being beaten about the face and chest, court documents state.
Bruising on her face and arms could be seen as she appeared with Prosecuting Attorney Roger Wall in the courtroom Wednesday morning.
Sheriff Degase said Sevrey is on staff at Missouri Ozarks Community Health in Ava as a physician.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Sevrey has allegedly been taking steroids from the clinic to administer to his wife for the bruising after he beats her. It is claimed he also writes prescriptions for pain medications in his wife’s maiden name to be filled at an out-of-town pharmacy, so she doesn’t see other doctors.
A statement by Rachel Sevrey included with the affidavit indicates the abuse by her husband has been going on for about two months. She also claimed in her statement that her husband has been filling prescriptions at Ozark Wal-Mart for pain medicine and nerve pills to cover the abuse. She alleged he has also been writing prescriptions for medicines in her name, then takes them himself.
Officers removed from the Sevrey residence a 9mm Glock handgun and a long knife. Mrs. Sevrey told officers she fired the pistol one time to the side hoping her husband would leave. Instead, he took it from her and beat her.
Sheriff Degase said he anticipates filing of additional charges in this case as the investigation continues.