The 65-year-old former CEO of Automatic Data Processing, Inc., which is based in Roseland, New Jersey, is facing charges now that he is retired. According to reports, accusations of domestic violence committed against his wife came just two days before he told the company that he was planning to retire.

The event in question happened at a house the couple own in South Carolina, away from their home in New Jersey, on Nov. 6. His retirement announcement to the board of ADP came on Nov. 8 and the company made it official on Nov. 9.

Reports show that the authorities with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene at the South Carolina home after being called by the former CEO’s 58-year-old wife. She told them that she had been packing for their return to New Jersey. Her husband had allegedly been drinking at dinner that night and when they returned to their house. They began arguing while he was lying on the bed when he allegedly sprung up and wrapped his hands around the throat of his wife.

His wife also says he held her wrists and threw her against some furniture. She left the house after this and phoned the police.

Officers on the scene said the 65-year-old man smelled like alcohol and admitted to an argument, but did not agree that the altercation had become physical. His wife’s neck was red at this time and the man was then arrested on charges of first-degree criminal domestic violence.

There are many complications when it comes to domestic violence claims, because they often stem from “he-said she-said” situations. When New Jersey residents find themselves on either side of the allegations, it is important that their rights are protected throughout the process.

Source: The Associated Press, “Former ADP CEO faces domestic violence charge,” Tom Murphy, Nov. 19, 2011