A Wells man facing several criminal charges in Faribault County after he allegedly strangled a woman late last month pleaded not guilty Monday in Faribault County District Court.

Brice Lee Mulholland, 33, is charged with domestic assault by strangulation and two counts of misdemeanor domestic assault.

Mulholland was charged after law enforcement officers responded to a report that a woman was being assaulted by Mulholland on Dec. 31. Upon arriving, officers took Mulholland into custody.

The woman, who was known to Mullholand, told officers he was mad at her and told her to pack up her things and leave. She reported that once she packed her things, Mulholland told her she was not leaving, got on top of her and covered her mouth when she tried to scream.

Court documents state she said Mulholland had both of his hands around her neck and tried to strangle her, choking her until she nearly passed out before letting go.

Mulholland allegedly held her down and told her to be quiet after officers arrived.

Domestic assault by strangulation carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.