Geoffrey Paschel Guilty – ’90 Day Fiance’ Star Headed to Prison – Mistrial on Appeal Expected
90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days alum Geoffrey Paschel finally had his trial this week facing allegations of domestic violence and the verdict is in – and it’s not good news for Varya Malina‘s boyfriend from the TLC show. He faced three charges and the jury convicted him on all of them. However, legal experts say this verdict might be thrown out.
90 Day Fiance: Guilty Verdict for Geoffrey Paschel
This week in Knoxville, Tennessee, Geoffrey Paschel faced three charges from prosecutors. His ex-fiancee, Kristen Wilson, accused him of attacking her on June 9, 2019. Local police arrested him that night. Later, the DA charged him with aggravated kidnapping, domestic violence, and interference with an emergency call.
During Geoffrey’s trial in Knox County, Tennessee, the 90 Day Fiance star’s lawyer grew agitated with his accuser Kristen, and also with the prosecutor over issues with cross-examination. While many fans following the trial seemed certain he’d be acquitted based on a strong defense and seemingly lackluster DA performance, it didn’t go that way at all.
Instead, after deliberating for less than two hours, the jury came back against Geoffrey Paschel, ruling that he was guilty on all three counts against him. Throughout the week, Geoffrey seemed call and self-assured on the stand. But this verdict seemed to be a total blindside, and there’s a question of whether it may be overturned on appeal.
TLC Star Headed to Jail – Bail Revoked Until Sentencing
Geoffrey Paschel’s trial kicked off on October 6 and the verdict came in on October 7, against the reality alum, on all counts. Judge Kyle Hixson, Division II criminal court judge, excused the jury after the verdict and thanked them for their service. As the jury read the verdict, Geoffrey held his head downcast as shown below.
It was hard to see the full expression on the 90 Day Fiance cast member’s face because he wore a mask, although those around him, including his defense attorney, did not. Judge Hixson says he “agreed with” the verdict and revoked Geoffrey Paschel’s bail.
He ordered the Knox County Sheriff’s Department taken Geoffrey into custody until he is sentenced. The judge assigned the date of Friday, December 3 to sentence the single dad for his three convictions. After the date setting, Geoffrey Paschel unbuttoned and removed his coat and presented himself to the bailiff for cuffing.
Geoffrey Paschel Faces up to 30 Years Behind Bars
The trial was brief, with the prosecution resting after just three witnesses. Geoffrey’s accuser, Kristen Wilson, testified. Plus, the neighbor who called 911 was on the stand. And the patrol officer from the scene was the last of the state’s case. Additionally, they showed body cam footage from the officer showing Geoffrey scratched up and counter-accusing that she attacked him.
The aggravated kidnapping charge in TN is a Class B felony that can result in 8-30 years behind bars alone. The domestic violence and 911 call interference could tack on another year if Geoffrey Paschel from 90 Day Fiance can’t get this overturned on appeal.
Court Experts Say 90 Day Fiance Mistrial on Appeal Stands a Good Chance – Here’s Why
Of interest is that Court TV commentators agreed that a mistrial should have been the outcome of the case. Why? His accuser brought up on redirect evidence that falls under 404B – prior bad acts. Quick courthouse shorthand is that if something doesn’t come up in testimony, it can’t come up later.
And any accusations from a prior alleged assault would need to come up during discovery. Then, the judge decides if they can be part of the trial. However, Kristen Wilson said she “probably shouldn’t do this” and then accused Geoffrey of deleting photos from her phone of “prior marks”.
The 90 Day Fiance alumnus’ lawyer called for a mistrial for this breach at once. Several legal experts from Court TV agreed “a mistrial should be allowed”. Later, one of the experts said “it’ll come back on appeal”. For now, Geoffrey Paschel is in Knox County custody where he’ll remain until his next hearing in early December.
But it also appears he might have a good case on appeal as Soap Dirt heard from legal experts watching the trial, mistrial request, and verdict today. So, this 90 Day Fiance courtroom drama may be far from over. As for Varya Malina – she’s in CA traveling and hasn’t commented on the verdict.