Milwaukee man accused of twice choking 11-year-old girl in his care: 'She felt scared'



Tomara Pulliam



MILWAUKEE -- A 49-year-old Milwaukee man faces two charges of strangulation and suffocation for allegedly choking an 11-year-old girl in his care not once, but twice. The accused is Tomara Pulliam.

The first incident reportedly happened Jan. 1 at Pulliam's home near South 105th and Lincoln Avenue in West Allis.

The victim reported Pulliam was "upset that she had not cleaned up immediately," and was "grabbing her throat and squeezing." It caused so much pain, the victim stated she could "barely breathe." She guessed the choking lasted for about one minute -- and it wasn't the last time.

S. 105th and Lincoln Avenue in West Allis



Tomara Pulliam



On April 4, the victim was observed crying at school and said Pullium "tried to choke her again." Court documents stated when the girl tried to show Pulliam she had completed her homework, Pulliam used both hands to squeeze her neck, causing pain to "go through her body."

The victim said her throat felt screechy, and she couldn't swallow breakfast.

Pullium was released from court on Wednesday, Aug. 14, after signing a $750 signature bond. He was also ordered to provide a DNA sample, and placed under a no violent contact order. A preliminary hearing was set for Sept. 10.

Tomara Pulliam