Federal Judge Faces Felony Charge After Alleged Butter Knife Attack

A federal administrative judge is facing a serious felony charge after an alleged incident involving his wife and a butter knife. Gerald Foulds, 79, a judge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on a person 65 or older.

Argument Escalates to Physical Altercation

Authorities report that the incident occurred Sunday morning at the couple’s Miami home. According to an arrest report, Foulds and his wife, married for 14 years, engaged in a verbal argument shortly after she woke up. In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, the victim reportedly moved to the kitchen. However, Foulds allegedly followed her, grabbed her by the shoulder, and when she attempted to defend herself, he reportedly armed himself with a butter knife from the kitchen counter and cut her arm.

Victim Seeks Help from Neighbor

Following the alleged attack, the victim fled to a neighbor’s residence. Court documents indicate the neighbor observed the victim bleeding from her arms and visibly distressed. The neighbor then contacted the victim’s ex-husband, with whom she maintains a positive relationship. He transported her to an urgent care clinic.

Encounter with Ex-Husband

The victim’s ex-husband also visited the couple’s home to collect some of the victim’s belongings. There, he reportedly encountered Foulds, who, when asked about the situation, allegedly stated, “We have been fighting.” The victim reportedly described Foulds as “impulsive, aggressive and having a drinking problem” and indicated prior unreported physical altercations during their marriage.

Court Appearance and Bond Conditions

Investigators located Foulds at the couple’s residence, and the arrest report suggests he had been drinking. Foulds has denied the allegations. During his court appearance Monday before Judge Mindy Glazer, Foulds inquired if he could be released on his own recognizance due to his judicial status. Judge Glazer explained that she could not grant this and would likely set a bond based on the accusations. She ordered Foulds to stay away from his wife, noting that the victim has a superior right to their shared home if she is a victim of domestic violence. Foulds was also prohibited from possessing firearms or weapons, and was given pretrial services with an alternate bond set at $2,500.