By SYDNEY KENT
A man with a previous conviction for domestic violence has been arrested for the same crime less than four years later.
Matthew Lewis Cassenta, 40, Bluffton, was charged with domestic battery and strangulation, both Level 5 felonies, and intimidation, a Level 6 felony.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Cassenta’s wife reported that several months prior when he was upset, he allegedly grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against the wall, impeding her ability to breathe. She reported that Cassenta threatened to kill her if she reported the incident or attempted to leave the marriage. She reported the crime on May 13. Cassenta appeared in court to days later via video from the Wells County Jail.
“I can’t work from in here,” Cassenta told the judge. “I think I still have a job with Outdoor Concepts.”
Cassenta was ordered to have no contact with his wife or child.
Cassenta was previously convicted for abusing and strangling his wife in December 2020. He was sentenced to 730 days in prison with 610 days suspended and 50 days of jail credit in the case. A motion to revoke the suspended sentence has not yet been filed.
In September 2021, Cassenta pled guilty to one count of battery against a public safety official, a Level 6 felony, and resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor. Charges for battery by bodily waste and disorderly conduct were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
He received one year in prison for the charges. He was ordered to serve the executed portion of his sentence on home detention.
Cassenta’s bond is set at $15,000. He is scheduled for a pretrial conference at 1 p.m. on July 17 in the Wells Circuit Court.
sydney@news-banner.com
