By Pat Culverhouse

A gambling trip to local truck stop casinos proved to be unlucky for a Homer man who is now facing an abuse charge after allegedly punching his girlfriend during an alleged jealous rage.

Corey A. Willis, 48, has been booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for domestic abuse battery in connection with the Wednesday incident. His bond has been set at $5,000 surety or $500 cash.

MPD Sgt. Benjamin Sparks answered a disturbance call at Love’s Travel Stop on Industrial Dr. just before 7 p.m. where he learned a confrontation had taken place inside the casino.

During questioning, the victim said she was playing a video poker machine when a male friend approached her and began to visit. According to the victim, Willis became extremely jealous when he observed the conversation and struck her in the face.

Officers reportedly reviewed surveillance video at the casino and determined that Willis did strike the woman. According to the arrest report, Willis has an extensive criminal history of violent crimes, some of which are of a domestic nature.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.