FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayette County man is facing multiple charges after authorities say a domestic incident in Ansted involved an alleged assault, destruction of a cellphone and preventing another person from leaving a residence.
Timothy Robert Maichle, of Ansted, is charged with third-offense domestic battery, unlawful restraint, interfering with emergency communications and destruction of property, according to a criminal complaint filed in Fayette County Magistrate Court.
According to the complaint, a Fayette County Sheriff’s Department deputy responded to Ansted City Hall on Thursday, Oct. 1, regarding a reported domestic incident that allegedly occurred earlier that morning at approximately 3 a.m.
The victim told investigators that Maichle had been drinking beer and became belligerent. According to the complaint, an argument began after Maichle allegedly accused the victim of obtaining one of his friend’s telephone numbers from his phone and adding it to the victim’s contacts.
During the argument, Maichle allegedly became physically aggressive and struck the victim multiple times in the face with an open hand. The victim estimated being struck approximately 10 times.
The complaint alleges Maichle then struck the victim in the face with a closed fist, causing the victim to fall to the floor. After the victim fell, Maichle allegedly kicked the victim in the rib area and threw a frozen water bottle, striking the victim in the chest and causing an injury.
Authorities said the victim attempted to use a cellphone to call 911, but Maichle allegedly destroyed the phone before the call could be completed.
The complaint further alleges Maichle prevented the victim from leaving the residence by standing near a doorway, telling the victim they were not permitted to go outside and threatening to strike the victim if they attempted to leave.
The victim told investigators they were eventually able to leave when Maichle went to the bathroom. The victim then ran from the residence and flagged down a passing woman for assistance.
The investigating deputy reported observing what appeared to be bruising above the victim’s left eye and a small area of bruising on the right rib area. According to the complaint, the victim was offered medical assistance but said they would seek emergency room treatment if necessary.
Court documents list Maichle’s domestic battery charge as a third offense. Under West Virginia law, a third or subsequent qualifying domestic battery offense is a felony and can carry a prison sentence of two to 10 years upon conviction. The other charges listed in the complaint are misdemeanors.
A magistrate found probable cause and issued a warrant in the case on Oct. 1.
The allegations contained in a criminal complaint are accusations, and Maichle is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
