Knox man pursuing love on TLC's '90 Day Fiancé' faces charges of abusing his ex

A Knoxville area man seeking love on the upcoming season of the "90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days" reality TV series appeared in court Friday to face criminal charges from the fallout of his last relationship.

Geoffrey Paschel, however, contends his ex-girlfriend's allegations of abuse are simply an attempt to sabotage him in an ongoing child custody battle with yet another woman.

The 42-year-old waived an arraignment during a brief appearance Friday before Knox County Criminal Court Judge Kyle Hixson on charges of aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault, interference with emergency calls and vandalism.

Paschel was arrested in June after his then-girlfriend, a 30-year-old woman he lived with in West Knox County, accused him of viciously attacking her in the Rocky Hill home they shared. Knox News does not typically name people who say they've been victims of domestic violence.

"He repeatedly bashed/slammed my head into the hardwood floors of my home," according to a petition she filed seeking an order of protection.

"He dragged me through the house by my hair and continued throwing my body into walls and furniture. I know this because of blood on my walls, furniture, etc."

Paschel also allegedly disabled her phone before she was able to flee to a neighbor's house and call 911.

Paschel was taken into custody that night. The woman sought treatment at a local hospital, where she was diagnosed with a concussion, the petition reads.

The filing accuses him of "pushing, hitting, choking" and verbally threatening her on four other occasions since September 2018.

The woman was granted a temporary order of protection pending a court hearing next month.

Paschel also is set to return to court on the criminal case March 26.

Outside Friday's hearing, Paschel insisted he is not guilty, and said he thinks his ex-girlfriend's claims intentionally coincided with his pending child custody case in Blount County involving his estranged wife.

"It's all about child custody," he told Knox News.

Paschel declined to say whether he's still involved with a Russian woman he's featured with in the upcoming fourth season of "90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days" on TLC.

The two met on an international dating site, according to a show promo, and now "Geoffrey has a trip to Russia on the horizon and is considering proposing to Varya, but he must first prove to her family and friends that he’s the right man for her."