DARLINGTON — A Belmont man faces charges that he broke into his ex-wife’s home and assaulted her while in disguise.

Matthew J. Voigts, 37, made his initial appearance in Lafayette County Circuit Court July 8 on felony charges of burglary and false imprisonment and misdemeanor charges of battery and disorderly conduct. The court ordered a $2,500 signature bond with conditions of no contact with his ex-wife or her home.

According to the criminal complaint:

Voigts broke into his ex-wife’s home on South Park Street in Belmont at about 12:30 a.m. July 5 wearing gloves, a stocking hat and a bandana over his face. He covered her mouth with his hand, but she was able to get his hand off and screamed. She was then able to free herself after biting his right thumb and getting her feet on his chest to push him off.

When she asked her smartphone to call 911, he stopped his assault and she was able to identify him. He stayed in the apartment and told her he needed to teach her a lesson. The woman told police Voigts believed there were cameras installed in the home and he wanted to make the assault seem real for the cameras.

When officers confronted Voigts about the incident and asked about the cut on his thumb, Voigts said it was from force-feeding calves.