Man admits trying to strangle woman

Adam Thomas Medina, 42, appeared in Douglas County District Court on Thursday with his attorney Justin Clouser.

Medina admitted to one count of domestic battery with strangulation, which carries a mandatory prison sentence of 1-5 years.

According to court documents, Medina and the woman were arguing when she locked herself in the bedroom when he became violent on Feb. 12, 2018.

He broke through the door and grabbed her from where she was hiding behind the bed and punched her multiple times in the face and strangled her.

Medina failed to show up in court a few times in the months after the case began and a trial was set in spring for January 2019, with a status hearing in December 2018, that he missed. A warrant was issued for his arrest, which occurred on May 7, 2021.

In the meantime, Medina’s attorney said he’d been involved in a vehicle collision that resulted in his conviction and incarceration for driving under the influence.

On Thursday, Clouser sought Medina’s release on his own recognizance pending his April 4 sentencing. Prosecutor Chelsea Mazza argued that the woman Medina admitted strangling should have some input on whether he’s released.

Judge Tom Gregory agreed and ordered Medina held without pail pending sentencing. He will receive credit for the time he has been in custody on the Douglas charges.

Gregory also ordered that the woman would be allowed to give an impact statement virtually.