Campbell facing felony charges
Police say the Tampa lightweight beat an ex-girlfriend. A life sentence is possible.
TAMPA - Local boxing promoter Terry Trekas sent an e-mail last week saying he was pulling Nate Campbell out of an upcoming fight in Chicago because the opponent was having visa problems and his fighter had an injured rib.
The real reason probably has something to do with this: Campbell has been sitting in Hillsborough County's Orient Road jail since he was charged Sept. 27 with forcing himself into his ex-girlfriend's home and beating her up, according to records.
The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office arrested Campbell on felony charges of armed burglary of a dwelling with assault, false imprisonment and tampering with a witness. The charges could carry a life sentence. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence battery.
Campbell appeared in court Sept. 28, and court records show the judge had concerns about the fighter's mental health.
Trekas on Tuesday described the incident as a minor fight over money. The deputy's report paints a more harrowing picture:
At 9 a.m. on Sept. 27, Campbell punched the victim, whose name was not in the report, in the face as she entered her home, then forced his way in and continued to batter her.
She tried to call 911, but Campbell grabbed the phone and threw it. He then threw the victim to the ground and began strangling her.
She kicked herself free and Campbell pulled out a black handgun and put it in his mouth, threatening to kill himself. The victim got the gun away, but was pushed into the kitchen counter and to the floor, where Campbell slammed her head into the floor.
The victim had a contusion to her right eye, and abrasions to her neck and elbows, reports state.