A Rochester man faces allegations he strangled his girlfriend following an argument on Feb. 3.
Kristopher J. Satter, 25, is charged with one count each of second-degree assault and third-degree malicious mischief, both considered domestic violence.
Second-degree assault is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Satter made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday, Feb. 4, before being released on a $10,000 unsecured bond, meaning he doesn’t have to pay unless he fails to appear at future court hearings or doesn’t abide by his conditions of release.
The judge also entered a domestic violence no-contact order on behalf of the alleged victim, as well as an order for Satter to surrender any firearms or dangerous weapons.
Satter will look to retain private defense counsel.
According to court documents, the victim told law enforcement that the defendant had “grabbed her by the neck for an estimated four seconds.” The investigating deputy reportedly observed redness on the sides of the woman’s neck as well as a scratch on the woman’s forearm.
Upon entering the residence, the deputy reportedly saw a knocked-over microwave, broken television and broken mirror that Satter had allegedly punched.
The deputy then contacted Satter, who allegedly accused the woman of “throwing items at him and hitting him,” according to court documents.
He allegedly admitted to punching the mirror, but denied assaulting the woman.
According to court documents, both parties indicated the altercation began after the girlfriend found text messages sent by another woman on the defendant’s phone.
Satter is scheduled to appear for an arraignment on Feb. 12.
