BANGOR, Maine — A local man with a history of violence is behind bars after allegedly getting drunk Thursday and attacking his ex-girlfriend sexually and physically, according to Assistant District Attorney Brendan O’Brien.
Roger Lee Kleinsmith, 51, was charged with gross sexual assault and aggravated assault, both Class A crimes, as well as domestic violence assault, a Class C crime, the prosecutor said.
“The defendant was intoxicated and began arguing with the victim,” O’Brien said. “The [victim] fought back.”
Kleinsmith, who was on probation for a May 2, 2015, aggravated assault conviction, “put his hand across her mouth and nose,” restricting her breathing, and threatened her before sexually assaulting her, the prosecutor said.
“The victim felt she was fighting for her life,” O’Brien said.
Kleinsmith has a “rather extensive record,” the prosecutor said, listing convictions in Maine and Illinois, as well as an outstanding warrant in Florida for failure to appear in court for domestic violence battery.
District Court Judge John Lucy set Kleinsmith’s bail at $75,000, saying, “these are significant and serious crimes,” especially given his prior convictions. He also added conditions that Kleinsmith not have contact with the victim, not to use intoxicants and set a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew, if released on bail.
Lucy also assigned defense attorney Hunter Tzovarras and set Kleinsmith’s next court date for March 9.
Kleinsmith remains at Penobscot County Jail on a probation hold, O’Brien said.