An attorney who is a candidate for district attorney of Bienville, Claiborne and Jackson parishes was convicted today of hitting his ex-wife.

Chris Bowman of Jonesboro was found guilty of domestic abuse battery after a trial in state district court in Ruston. He was placed on probation, fined $500, and ordered to perform four days of community service and attend a domestic abuse prevention program.

The incident with his ex-wife happened four years ago in Ruston. Police said he hit her while trying to get into her house. He was there to get their children for visitation.

The case was delayed when local prosecutors recused themselves. Bowman was prosecuted by the attorney general's office.

Bowman is one of four candidates for Bienville-Claiborne-Jackson district attorney in the October primary. He is still a candidate and the misdemeanor conviction does not prevent him from running.