Domestic Abuser Convicted of Aggravated Kidnapping

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Domestic Violence Unit obtained convictions against a defendant who assaulted his fiancée and refused to let her leave her residence.  Geoffrey Ian Paschel, 44, was convicted of Aggravated Kidnapping, Domestic Assault, and Interference with Emergency Calls.  Judge Kyle Hixson revoked Paschel’s bond, ordered him into custody, and set the case for sentencing on December 3.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Heather Good and Jake Ens explained to the jury that on June 9, 2019, officers with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a domestic disturbance in the Rocky Hill area of west Knoxville.  When they arrived, the victim told officers that she had been assaulted in her home by Paschel.  Paschel grabbed the victim by the neck and slammed her head against the wall several times.  She was also thrown to the ground and dragged.  Paschel took the victim’s cell phone and did not allow her to leave the residence.  The victim fled to a neighbor’s house after Paschel fell asleep.  Officers noted a large, raised bruise on the victim’s forehead along with bruises and abrasions on her back, arms, and the inside of her lip.  She was also diagnosed with a concussion.  At trial, Paschel testified that the victim’s bruises were self-inflicted, but the jury discredited his testimony and found him guilty-as-charged.

“With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I hope that this conviction shows victims that we will fight for them and hold their abuser accountable” said DA Charme Allen.  “Victims of domestic abuse can contact the Family Justice Center for victim services, and members of the community can also contact them to see how they can help end domestic violence.”

Aggravated Kidnapping is a Class B felony.  Because of his criminal history, Paschel is a Range II Offender facing a sentence between twelve and twenty years in prison without the possibility of parole.  Paschel has convictions out of Blount County for Possession with Intent to Sell a Schedule I Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Sell Schedule II Cocaine.  He also has two federal drug trafficking convictions out of the Eastern District of Texas.  At sentencing, prosecutors will use these and other misdemeanor convictions to seek an enhanced sentence.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.