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Highlands Today

Mom Retracts Story Of Being Battered By Son

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: December 6, 2008

SEBRING - A local man arrested Nov. 1 for allegations he battered his 78-year-old mother will have the charges dropped in light of the victim admitting she had "exaggerated" her statement.

Todd William Harrington, 40, of Sebring was initially charged with one count of battery of a person 65 years of age or older and two counts of fleeing/eluding law enforcement officers.

On Nov. 1, Harrington got into a verbal argument with his mother, Rita Hebert Harrington, over her not wanting him to use her vehicle, according to the arrest report.

The mother, who lives with her son, then reportedly stood in front of him and pleaded for him not to leave. At that point, Todd Harrington allegedly pushed his mother several times to get her out of the way. He then got in the car and left the house.

Rita Harrington suffered no injuries from her son's alleged actions, the report stated.

Law enforcement then got into two high-speed pursuits trying to apprehend Harrington, with speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, the report stated. He was eventually taken into custody and booked on the aforementioned charges.

Then, on Wednesday, Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy John Steffner III received a case filing evaluation from the state attorney's office. The evaluation stated the charges of battery on Todd Harrington had been "no billed" due to Rita Harrington saying she'd "exaggerated" the statement, according to the warrant report.

Steffner made contact with State Attorney Christine Pletcher, who said Rita Harrington informed her that her son "had not struck her nor caused her any harm."

Harrington was then placed under oath and reportedly admitted to making an "inaccurate statement" pertaining to the Nov. 1 incident, the report stated. An affidavit charging her with perjury and making a false report, both misdemeanors, was submitted.
Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin said Thursday that the charge of battery against Todd Harrington would be dropped in light of the new information. However, he still faces the two fleeing/eluding counts, which he is scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 8.

"We're also considering what actions, if any, to take against the mother," Houchin said.

Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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