On Wednesday June 14, 2017 at approximately 2:46 A.M., Hobbs Police Officers responded to the 600 block of North Marland Street in reference to a domestic disturbance.
Officers contacted a 22-year-old female who stated that she was battered and strangled by Markel Sweargin, 19, of Lubbock, Texas after refusing to have sex with an unknown male. The investigation has revealed that Sweargin attempted to entice the victim in this matter to have sexual intercourse with others in exchange for monetary compensation. When the victim refused to have sex with an unknown male who arrived at the location, Sweargin reportedly became violent, strangling and battering her. After striking and strangling the victim, Sweargin refused to allow the victim to le,ave.
Sweargin was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery against a Household Member (3F), False Imprisonment (4 F), Human Trafficking (3F), Promoting Prostitution (4F), and Possession of Marijuana (M). He is being held in the Lea County Detention Facility on a $23,000 cash/surety bond set by Magistrate Judge Henry.
(Press release from Hobbs Police Department)
