Fulton man, federal law enforcement officer, to appear in court for assault case involving minor

A Fulton man who works as a federal law enforcement officer is scheduled to appear in court July 29 on an assault charge in an incident involving a minor.

Scott A. Armstrong, 37, is accused of putting a teenage boy in a choke hold on March 1, for which he faces a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault.

According to the probable cause statement, the teen and his parents reported the alleged incident to the Callaway County Sheriff's Office on March 5, telling deputies that Armstrong had put the youth in a choke hold and cut off his air, causing the boy to temporarily lose consciousness. They said the alleged incident occurred at the residence of Armstrong and Beth Ready.

The statement further states that photos taken by the alleged victim's parents after the incident "show redness on (the teen's) throat that resembled a fabric pattern, and a horizontal red mark on the back of (the teen's) neck."

According to the probable cause statement, Armstrong admitted to placing his arm around the teen's neck and that he lost consciousness.

Armstrong is a member of the Boone County Sheriff's Department Cyber Crimes Task Force. According to the group's website, Armstrong is a senior FBI special agent "with extensive experience investigating federal crimes to include; crimes against children, computer intrusion and computer fraud."

Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Wilson said the charge against Armstrong was determined on intent, so the alleged victim's age does not automatically prompt the charge to be assault of a minor.

"Abuse of a child includes knowingly causing physical injury to a child, and Mr. Anderson is charged with recklessly causing physical injury," Wilson said.

According to online court records, Armstrong waived his formal arraignment on June 24 and his attorney, Douglas Shull, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. A hearing for the case is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday before Judge Robert Sterner.