The Latest: Legislator accused of wife beating is suspended

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Latest on a South Carolina legislator indicted on domestic violence charges (all times local):

2:25 p.m.

A South Carolina legislator accused of beating his wife has been suspended from his House seat.

House Speaker Jay Lucas suspended Rep. Chris Corley on Wednesday, soon after the Graniteville Republican was indicted on felony charges of domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and pointing a firearm.

State law requires the suspension of officeholders indicted on a felony.

The domestic violence charge alone can bring a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Corley was arrested last week on a lesser charge: first-degree domestic violence, which carries up to 10 years.

In a 911 call from Corley’s home, young children could be heard screaming “just stop daddy” in the background.

Solicitor Strom Thurmond Jr. asked state Attorney General Alan Wilson to take the case.

Corley hasn’t returned messages from The Associated Press.

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2 p.m.

A South Carolina legislator accused of beating his wife has been indicted on charges that could net him up to 25 years in prison.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Wednesday that an Aiken County grand jury indicted Rep. Chris Corley on felony charges of domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and pointing a firearm.

The domestic violence charge alone can bring a maximum sentence of 20 years.

The Graniteville Republican was arrested last week on a lesser charge: first-degree domestic violence, which carries up to 10 years.

In a 911 call from Corley’s home, young children could be heard screaming “just stop daddy” in the background.

Wilson’s office says Solicitor Strom Thurmond Jr. asked Wilson to take the case.

Corley hasn’t returned messages from The Associated Press.