Preliminary Hearing Set For Former CU Assistant Football Coach Domestic Violence Case

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - The former University of Colorado assistant football coach is set for a preliminary hearing in a domestic violence case.

Joseph Tumpkin, 47, has been charged with five counts of second-degree assault and three counts of third-degree assault in connection with the case.

Joseph Tumpkin (left) (credit: CBS)

Tumpkin's ex-girlfriend Pamela Fine says he abused her for years. She claims the abuse was physical, psychological and verbal and was aggravated by his drinking problem ... something she claims university employees knew about.

Fine said when she reported it to Head Coach Mike MacIntyre, he covered it up to protect his football team. She has filed a lawsuit in connection to the case.

The preliminary hearing for the domestic violence case has been scheduled for Dec. 12.