A Laramie man accused of strangulation of a household member and aggravated assault of a pregnant woman pleaded not guilty to both charges Thursday in Albany County District Court.

Court documents say 30-year-old Desmond James Vasquez admitted to hiding in the crawlspace of his house while Laramie Police officers were en route to investigate a report of a physical domestic dispute Jan. 23.

Vasquez could face up to 15 years in prison and $20,000 in fines if convicted on both charges. Trial is set to begin July 7.

According to the affidavit, a female reported Vasquez strangled her after an argument and ran out the back door.

Defense attorney Vaughn Neubauer requested Thursday that Judge Jeffrey Donnell amend Vasquez’s bond conditions to allow him to have contact with his minor daughter in order to avoid what Neubauer described as a “catch 22.”

Vasquez’s original bond conditions required him to stay with his mother and have no contact with witnesses. However, Neubauer said the minor child’s mother is hospitalized due to pregnancy complications, and the minor child -- who was present at the Jan. 23 dispute -- is living with Vasquez’s mother.

Donnell expressed disbelief that Vasquez would not discuss the case with his daughter.

“I know he’ll promise to do that, and frankly I don’t believe that for a minute,” said Donnell. “We’re going to have to figure out something else.”

Donnell ordered Vasquez to stay with a different family member. Vasquez is free on $20,000 signature bond.

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