A repeat offender in Knox County is now set to face between 25 and 40 years in prison.

62 year old Merv Rodgers has been convicted of especially aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault and aggravated assault.

District Attorney Charme Allan’s office says he strangled his girlfriend and hit her with a baseball bat refusing to let her leave.

She was able to escape and Knoxville Police Officers took him into custody.

Rodgers sentencing is set for August 29th.