A Newport man is facing multiple felony domestic violence charges after police say he held a woman hostage in an abandoned building and repeatedly assaulted her, the Newport Dispatch reports.

Ryan John, 33, pleaded not guilty this week in Vermont Superior Court to seven felony charges including first-degree aggravated domestic assault, second-degree aggravated domestic assault by a repeat offender, and unlawful restraint with risk of injury.

As a habitual offender, John could face life in prison if convicted.

According to court documents, the case began Sept. 5 when Newport City Patrolman Andrew Gonyaw spotted a woman walking on Main Street around 7:20 p.m., crying hysterically with a red face.

The following day, Gonyaw discovered an open door at an abandoned Coventry Street building where John had been staying. A witness told police John was holding the woman hostage there and had given her a black eye.

After several encounters over multiple days, the woman agreed to speak with police on Sept. 15. She told Gonyaw that John had threatened to kill her if charged with domestic assault again, referencing previous prison time.

The woman reported multiple assaults dating back to John’s April jail release, including being struck in the face, pushed to the ground, and hit hard enough to bruise her ribs. She told police she feared reporting the abuse because John monitored her social media and threatened suicide if she left him.

John remains in custody pending further proceedings.

Charlotte woman charged with embezzlement

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office announced this week that Laura Brewer, 42, of Charlotte, has been arraigned on one count of felony embezzlement.

The charge stems from Brewer’s former employment at the Ferrisburgh Jolley/Stewart’s Shops and was the result of a Vermont State Police investigation.

Brewer pleaded not guilty at her arraignment in Vermont Superior Court, Addison Criminal Division, before Judge Alison Arms. She was released on conditions, including that she not enter the Stewart’s Shops property.

The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

Springfield man arrested after campground assault

A Springfield man has been arrested after Vermont State Police say he attempted to cause serious bodily injury to a family member at Kenolie Campground in Newfane.

James Foster Jr., 59, was arrested Sept. 24 after troopers were called for a welfare check around 8:42 p.m. Investigators determined Foster had assaulted a relative, then later located him in Springfield, where troopers said he showed signs of impairment.

Foster was charged with first-degree aggravated domestic assault and driving under the influence. He was processed at the Westminster Barracks and cited to appear in Vermont Superior Court in Windham County on Sept. 25, and again in Windsor County on Oct. 14.

He was lodged at Southern State Correctional Facility on $500 bail.