The chief executive of a Massachusetts data center company has been charged with domestic violence following an alleged incident at his home in Chestnut Hill last month, according to court records. Jeffrey Markley, who leads the Markley Group, was arrested on May 27 and charged with assault and battery on a family or household member. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Brookline District Court the next day.

Brookline police reports indicate that the dispute began on May 26 while the family was preparing for a dinner gathering. Markley’s wife told officers that the argument was triggered when she brought one of their children to the dinner table before the scheduled mealtime. According to the report, Markley became upset and made a remark saying, “I’m the lion, from now on we eat when the lion eats.” The situation escalated when Markley allegedly pushed his wife from behind as she tried to walk away, causing her head to snap backward and resulting in neck and shoulder pain. She later sought treatment at an urgent care clinic, and a restraining order was issued after the incident.

Markley’s wife expressed concern to police about her husband’s financial resources and influence, fearing possible legal retaliation given his status as a successful businessman. The couple has been together for 20 years, and an attorney representing Markley’s wife disputed the allegations, describing the situation as a blown-out-of-proportion marital disagreement. The lawyer noted that the wife had recently given birth, was sleep-deprived, and was caring for their newborn at the time of the argument. He emphasized that she requested the police avoid taking action against her husband and remains committed to their marriage.

The Markley Group operates data center facilities in Lowell and downtown Boston. Its Lowell location has recently become a focal point of conflict involving local residents, environmental activists, and city officials concerning the facility’s scale and its impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

Markley is scheduled to appear in court again on July 27. Efforts to reach his attorney for comment were not immediately successful.