A Natrona County man is accused of raping his former wife.

Joseph Martinez has pleaded not guilty to three charges of first degree sexual assault, and one charge of aggravated assault and battery on a pregnant woman.

Investigators with the Evansville Police Department say in April and August 2014, they met with Martinez's then wife, who reported she had been raped on three occasions.

In one instance, the victim said Martinez had pleaded with her to take him back, after a November 2013 instance, in which he was eventually convicted of domestic battery, and a no contact order had been put in place.

The victim also reported that in early 2007, when she was pregnant with her first child, she woke up one time when Martinez put his hands around her throat and strangled her into unconsciousness.

She wore turtlenecks to hide the bruises, but co-workers noticed and she told one co-worker what had happened.

The victim said she did not report at least one of the rape cases because she felt that if she were to report things to the police, then Martinez would kill her.

Martinez is awaiting trial on $100,000 bond, and could face between five-to-50 years in prison on each first degree sexual assault charge, and up to 10 years in prison on the aggravated assault charge if convicted.

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