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Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki's ex-husband Kenneth Retzer charged with attacking her at hotel

Posted at 9:12 AM, Jun 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-27 09:12:33-04

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Florida mayor has confirmed that her ex-husband was charged with hitting her during a national mayors' convention in Miami Beach.

Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki told news outlets Monday that the attack has solidified her resolve to push for legislation to help domestic-abuse victims.

A police report says officers arrested 48-year-old Kenneth Retzer early Saturday after officers found a woman with a swollen eye and red throat in a hotel room. She told police Retzer hit her. The report didn't name the victim, but Sawicki publically confirmed it was her.

Retzer is a former Cape Coral Fire Department lieutenant. The police report says the woman scratched and bit him and he was treated at a hospital before being jailed.

He's charged with domestic battery and strangling. Jail records didn't list an attorney.