A Schuylkill County man is in jail after police say he threatened the same victim just one day after being released on bail following an alleged violent assault.
Austin Keller, 31, of Schuylkill Haven, faces a felony charge of strangulation, misdemeanor counts of simple assault and terroristic threats, and summary offenses of harassment and criminal mischief.
According to Schuylkill Haven Police, the initial incident occurred between July 30 and 31. Officers responded after the victim contacted them to report an assault. Police observed numerous injuries on the victim, including bruising, neck pain, and a bitten tongue.
The victim told police she confronted Keller regarding personal relationship issues, resulting in an argument. She reportedly began recording their interaction, at which point Keller allegedly became violent.
Police say Keller attacked the victim, wrapping his arm around her neck three different times. The victim reported losing consciousness or blacking out briefly during the struggle.
During the assault, Keller allegedly broke the victim’s phone. The victim said she managed to text for help using her smartwatch. As Keller fell asleep, the victim arranged to stay with a family member.
Keller was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer on the evening of July 31. Bayer set bail at $25,000 unsecured, and Keller was released. The victim obtained an emergency Protection From Abuse order against Keller at that time.
On Aug. 1, around 9 a.m., the victim returned to Schuylkill Haven Police to file a formal PFA application. She told police she had recorded a video earlier that morning from inside the apartment she shared with Keller. According to the victim, Keller was seen and heard in the video saying, “I’ll just kill the b**ch,” followed by laughter. Keller reportedly returned shortly after, picked up a camera, and made additional demeaning remarks directed at the victim.
Keller was subsequently arrested and charged with making terroristic threats. He was arraigned before Judge AJ Serina, who set bail at $5,000 cash. Additionally, Serina modified Keller’s original bail from unsecured to 10% of $25,000 for violating the conditions of his initial release.
Preliminary hearings on all charges against Keller are scheduled for Aug. 12 before Judge Serina.
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