Laramie Man Facing Strangulation Charges Pleads Not Guilty

A Laramie man facing felony charges for allegedly strangling someone he lived with entered not guilty pleas Wednesday in Albany County District Court.

Jacob Alan Buszkiewic, 28, pleaded not guilty on two counts of strangulation of a household member. If convicted and given the maximum sentence, he could spend up to 10 years in prison and pay $20,000 in fines.

Buszkiewic was arrested following a police investigation of a domestic complaint.

According to the affidavit, Buszkiewic allegedly told police he had a verbal argument with the victim. The officer reportedly noticed a cut on Buszkiewic's finger and scratch marks on the right side of his chest and neck area.

Court documents say the victim described the attack to police in another Wyoming city after fleeing Laramie. The victim  alleged that Buszkiewic slapped her about 30 times. The victim said, according to the affidavit, that Buszkiewic attacked her because he was jealous and angry.

Buszkiewic allegedly strangled the victim on two separate occasions early on the morning of April 30 before she was able to get away.

The affidavit says a physician assistant told police that he observed petechial hemorrhaging, a sign of asphyxia by obstructing the airways, upon examining the victim after she left Laramie.

When a Laramie police officer returned to interview Buszkiewic after speaking with police in the city to which the victim fled, Buszkiewic allegedly said he struck the victim after she struck him.

In court Wednesday, Buszkiewic told the court he does not have contact with the victim.

Buszkiewic is set to stand trial Sept. 26-27. He remains free on bond.