PAYSON — The big news traveled fast in this small town: A Payson city councilman was arrested at his home, taken to jail and booked on allegations of domestic violence and simple assault.

Workers at Payson's City Hall were taken aback at word that Brad Daley, a respected first-term member of the City Council, could face several misdemeanor charges in connection with the Sunday incident.

Fourth District Court Judge Howard Maetani has issued a restraining order requiring Daley, 43, to have no contact with his wife of just a few months, Genene Daley, who has returned to her native Idaho.

"Things are not as they seem," Daley told the Deseret Morning News on Thursday. "I've had a pretty stressful four or five years. No fists were flying — none of that stuff. I know the charges sound mean."

Daley and his new wife — they married in March — are living apart because she is fighting a custody battle with her former husband in Idaho, Brad Daley said. Until that is resolved Genene Daley cannot bring her two children to Payson and settle in, he said. She was visiting when the argument began Sunday and she called 911.

"Our stress level is very high right now," Daley said.

"He was involved in a dispute with his wife when kids were present," said Salem Police Chief Brad James, whose police department has been asked to handle the investigation. "It looked to me like things got out of hand."

A family member at the Daley home said Thursday that Genene Daley could not be contacted for comment.

Brad Daley is scheduled to appear in Spanish Fork City Justice Court on July 8.

His attorney, B. Ray Zoll, issued this statement: "The situation is not as it appears. Unfortunately, we cannot comment on the facts at this time, but when the right time comes we will come forth with the accurate portrayal of the situation. The incident is unfortunate."

Payson police turned the case over to Salem to avoid any conflict of interest. As part of his council duties, Daley helps oversee the city police department.

When called to the scene Sunday, Salem police arrested Daley and booked him into the Utah County Jail. He posted $5,180 bail an hour later.

Payson City Manager Andy Hall said Daley told him that he "probably did some things and said some things he shouldn't have but that he was going to let the legal system work it out."

Daley's first wife, Jana, died in January 2003 after a long battle with cancer. Besides her husband, she left behind four children from elementary school age to college age, Hall said. Three of the children still live at home.

"It was a tough time for him when his wife passed away," Hall said.