Above Photo by Erik Sanchez

On March 31, Surfer Blood frontman John Paul Pitts, 28, was arrested in Lake Worth, Florida for domestic battery, according to an offense report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Public court documents confirm Pitts pleaded not guilty on May 4, before obtaining a "plea and pass" agreement on July 13.

If he complies fully with a program mandated by the court, his guilty plea and charges will be dismissed in April 2013. When contacted by Pitchfork, representatives for Pitts offered no comment.

According to the incident report from March, the victim in the case was Pitts' girlfriend of one year.

From the report:

The victim stated on today's date, Pitts and herself returned from an evening out. An argument pursued because she called a friend, stating she might need a place to stay. Pitts went into the bathroom and stated he was going to harm himself. When she knocked on the door, Pitts came out, they went into the bedroom, and the arguing continued. The victim stated Pitts grabbed her and flipped her over her shoulder, he then pinned her down by climbing on top of her. The defendant then proceeded to shove his fingers inside of her mouth. In return, she attempted to bite him and he pushed his fingers away. He continued to press his weight against her so she bit him on his chest. The victim stated this has occurred before. She told Pitts on numerous occasions she was going to call the police, but he just laughed. Advised she is not trying to ruin his life.

Pitts' arresting officer "observed abrasions and bruises on the victim's left and right arm" as well as a bruise above her right eye. "The victim was visibly shaking and crying," according to the report. The report continued:

Pitts advised he did not harm his girlfriend. She always threatens to call the police on him. He was present with scratches and bruises to his chest. A bite mark was observed on the middle portion of his chest.

According to the report, both Pitts and his girlfriend "stated they did not need medical attention."