Authorities charged Timothy Allen Rockholt Jr., 20, of 445 Pendleton St. with possession of marijuana, second offense, and elder abuse, said Lt. Jerry Waldrop of the Rock Hill Police Department.

Rockholt had been living in the woman's Pendleton Street house for nearly a year, Waldrop said.

"She had a black eye," Waldrop said. "The injuries were severe on her arms, legs and face. It was disturbing."

Waldrop said the victim, who according to court testimony is actually the suspect's great aunt, did not require medical attention.

Police say the abuse has been going for a year.

Judge Dolores Williams set bond for Rockholt at $21,000 during a Thursday hearing at Rock Hill Municipal Court.

"He was forcing her to write checks, pay out money to him," said Waldrop, who could not say how many checks the woman had written to Rockholt.

The woman had numerous fresh and old injuries on her body, according to a police report. She had visible injuries on her face, arms, hands, knees and legs.

The warrant states that Rockholt used physical force, intimidation and coercion to stay in the house and to force the woman to write checks and give him money.

"The victim is scared of the defendant," Williams said.

When Rockholt was arrested Wednesday, police reported finding marijuana in a pant pocket in the house.

In court Thursday, Rockholt said he had a "mental problem."

"I understand what I did is wrong," said a handcuffed Rockholt, who stood across the room dressed in white shorts, a white T-shirt and white socks.

Rockholt's criminal background reflects several drug-related arrests, as well as arrests for simple assault and battery and malicious injury to property, according to the State Law Enforcement Division.

If convicted on the elder abuse and drug-related charges, Rockholt could face up to a six-year prison sentence, Williams said. He is slated to appear in court June 20 and July 15, Williams said.

He remained in custody Thursday night at York County Detention Center.

Toya Graham • 329-4068