After multiple media sources recently uncovered Charles Ramsey’s past with domestic violence arrests, the Cleveland hero claimed he’s not ashamed of his past and that his former problems have made him a better person. More from the NY Daily News:
The gutsy dishwasher — who’s become an Internet sensation thanks to his animated interviews — was convicted of domestic violence three times from 1997 to 2003, according to an arrest report obtained by The Smoking Gun. The assaults were related to his then-wife Rochelle, who told the website that he also failed to pay child support for their now-15-year-old daughter.
Ramsey said he shouldn’t be pilloried for his past.
“If I had so much hatred for women, I would have minded my own business this week and walked away instead of risking my life to save someone else,” he said.
In August 1998, after his prior domestic violence cases were consolidated, Ramsey was ordered to six months in jail, five years probation and counseling.
But in January 2003, Ramsey was arrested again for domestic violence — indicted as a felony crime because of his prior convictions.
While the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Ramsey sat in state prison, his wife filed for divorce after eight years of marriage.
It’s unclear whether she knew of Ramsey’s sketchy past in the early 90s, including for drug abuse, criminal trespassing and receiving stolen property , according to The Smoking Gun.
Rochelle, however, said Ramsey apologized for assaulting her, and she’s on “an OK basis” with him. Ramsey also said he’s “made amends.”
Still, he never paid his $51-a-month child support, Rochelle added, and his relationship with their daughter remains icy.
Ramsey spoke to TMZ on his criminal history, saying;
“I’ve made amends with the people involved and we’ve all moved on and grown up.”
Ramsey adds, “Those incidents helped me become the man I am today and are the reason why I try to help the community as much as I can … Including those women.”
“If I had so much hatred for women, I would have minded my own business this week and walked away instead of risking my life to save someone else.”
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2013/05/09/charles-ramsey-domestic-violence-arrest-ohio-hero/#ixzz2Sp58gFjx