DARLINGTON — A Darlington man wanted for deportation by immigration officials was arrested and jailed after a reported domestic abuse incident early Saturday, Dec. 1.

Felipe Utrera-Aguilar, 24, faces felony charges of strangulation and false imprisonment and misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, resisting an officer and bail jumping.

Lafayette County Judge Duane Jorgenson ordered a cash bond of $10,000, with conditions including no contact with the victim and no drinking, bars or liquor stores. Utrera-Aguilar has an adjourned initial appearance Dec. 13.

District Attorney Jenna Gill said the Department of Homeland Security informed her that Utrera-Aguilar has been deported on four separate occasions. He is currently on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.

Gill said she was unsure of Utrera-Aguilar’s country of citizenship.

His arrest stems from a report of domestic abuse on Galena Street at about 3 a.m. Dec. 1.

According to the criminal complaint:

A woman arrived at a residence to find Utrera-Aguilar asleep on the couch with beer cans around him when he was supposed to be watching their young child. She tried to take a picture, but Utrera-Aguilar woke up and they began arguing. He took her phone away and she slapped him. He became upset, so she offered to let Utrera-Aguilar slap her.

He proceeded to push her against the wall and put his hands around her neck, causing her to lose the ability to breathe. 

After he let go, she tried to leave, but Utrera-Aguilar locked the door. She went out the side door, screaming loudly as Utrera-Aguilar pulled her back in with his hands on her mouth to keep her from screaming.

She had bruising on her left arm and neck, and swollen, cut lips.

When officers tried to arrest Utrera-Aguilar, he struggled and refused to place his hands behind his back, denying any violence against the woman.