A local man has been arrested and formally charged with sexual assault following a brutal attack on his wife inside their family home, authorities confirmed Thursday. The case has drawn renewed attention to the often-overlooked reality of marital sexual violence and the legal strides being made to prosecute it.
The suspect, 38-year-old Derek Hammel, was taken into custody after his wife, 36-year-old Michelle Hammel, fled their residence in the early hours of Wednesday morning and sought help at a neighboring house. She was transported to a nearby hospital with visible injuries, including bruising around her neck and wrists, and later provided a detailed statement to police.
According to the criminal complaint filed by the district attorney’s office, Derek Hammel allegedly subjected his wife to a violent physical and sexual assault following a heated argument. The affidavit states that he struck her repeatedly, restrained her against her will, and then proceeded to sexually assault her. The victim reportedly told investigators that she feared for her life during the attack, begging him to stop while he allegedly refused.
“The evidence in this case makes it clear that this was not a domestic dispute—it was a violent sexual assault perpetrated by someone who was supposed to be a partner,” said Assistant District Attorney Sarah Chen. “Marriage does not erase the crime of rape or sexual violence.”
Derek Hammel was arraigned Thursday morning on charges of first-degree sexual assault, aggravated battery, and unlawful restraint. He entered a plea of not guilty, and his defense attorney argued that the encounter was consensual, despite the injuries sustained by the victim. The judge denied bail, citing the severity of the charges and the risk to the victim.
Michelle Hammel has been granted a temporary restraining order and is currently staying at an undisclosed shelter. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for next month. Advocates for domestic violence survivors have praised the swift legal action, emphasizing that the case underscores the critical importance of believing survivors and holding abusers accountable—regardless of their relationship to the victim.
