Preacher’s wife faces domestic battery charge

Anastasia Farha, 33, Hillsboro, was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery after a verbal argument over chewing tobacco allegedly turned to physical blows at N. Washington St. in Hillsboro.

Officer John Huebert investigated at 4 p.m. Oct. 15.

Anastasia Farha reportedly called 911 stating that her husband, Father Isaac Farha, 36, of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Christian Church in Hillsboro, would not allow her to leave their house, police chief Dan Kinning said.

“The argument was over chewing tobacco,” Kinning said.

According to Kinning, Anastasia Farha allegedly reported trying to deescalate the confrontation by walking away, but said her husband followed her.

Father Isaac allegedly told police that his wife eventually turned and allegedly began hitting him on the chest in a “pounding motion,” Kinning said, but neither husband nor wife had allegedly made any unwanted physical contact up until that point.

Isaac Farha reported no injuries, and, Kinning said, police were aware of no marks where he had allegedly been struck by his wife. However, Kinning said Anastasia Farha admitted to hitting her husband because he would not stop talking.

Kinning said the rationale behind the arrest stems from Anastasia Farha’s alleged decision to make knowing rude physical contact with a family member.

“Our policy says we make an arrest if there is evidence of violence,” Kinning said. “He [Isaac Farha] said his wife stuck him, and she admitted to striking him.”

In his report, Huebert also indicated that Anastasia Farha also was suspected of using alcohol at the time of the incident.