Former reality television personality Geoffrey Paschel is once again drawing public attention after being featured in season two of Worst Ex Ever, the Netflix true-crime docuseries exploring controversial and abusive relationships.
Paschel first became widely known after appearing on season four of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days in 2020, where viewers followed his relationship with Russian native Varya Malina. At the time, Paschel portrayed himself as a Tennessee businessman searching for love overseas following personal hardships.
However, long before the reality series aired, Paschel already had an extensive criminal history that later became the subject of intense public scrutiny.
According to court records and information highlighted in the Netflix series, Paschel had previously faced multiple arrests involving assault-related allegations and drug trafficking offenses. In 2001, he pleaded guilty to federal cocaine distribution charges and served time in prison before being released in 2003.
The most serious case against Paschel stemmed from a June 2019 incident involving his then-fiancée, Kristen Wilson, a schoolteacher from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Prosecutors alleged that Paschel physically attacked Wilson inside her home, causing severe injuries that required medical treatment. Authorities stated that Wilson suffered a concussion along with multiple bruises and abrasions.
Following the incident, Paschel was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault, and interference with emergency calls.
Because of pandemic-related delays, the criminal trial did not begin until October 2021 — more than two years after the incident occurred. During the trial, Paschel denied the allegations and claimed Wilson’s injuries were self-inflicted.
After hearing testimony from both sides, the jury found Paschel guilty on all counts.
In February 2022, Judge Kyle Hixson sentenced Paschel to 18 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
During sentencing, the judge described Paschel’s behavior as “sadistic” and cited both his criminal history and testimony from previous partners as factors in the decision.
Paschel is currently serving his sentence at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, a medium-security prison located in Tennessee. According to state correctional records, his projected release date is December 12, 2037.
Despite his incarceration, Paschel reportedly remains engaged to Varya Malina. According to updates shared publicly by Malina, she continues visiting him regularly while also managing responsibilities related to his home and rental properties in Tennessee.
The renewed attention surrounding Paschel comes after Netflix released the second season of Worst Ex Ever, which revisits the case and explores the allegations, criminal proceedings, and aftermath in greater detail.
