Man admits to crimes against child's mother

By Linda Cicoira

A 27-year-old Onancock man, described by the defense as drunk and brokenhearted, pleaded guilty Thursday in Accomack Circuit to abducting and strangling the mother of his child in August 2024.

A felony count of burglary and two misdemeanors were not prosecuted against defendant Antonio Morales in connection with the incidents in exchange for the guilty pleas. He could be sentenced to up to 15 years for the crimes. The defendant has been in the area for about two years and required a Spanish interpreter. He has no previous criminal record.

According to the proffers, the couple split up that morning. Morales went to the house where he and the woman had planned to live before the breakup and found her with another man. Morales banged on the doors and broke in through a window. There was a scuffle with the other man, who left at her urging. She attempted to calm Morales down. He choked her and wouldn’t let her leave.