MASSENA — The St. Lawrence County Public Defender claims he was a victim of domestic violence.

Elizabeth B. Lamina, 24, of 48 Perkins Road, was charged Tuesday with fourth-degree grand larceny and third-degree attempted assault after allegedly hitting Brian J. Pilatzke, the public defender, with a hairbrush and punching him and stealing his laptop computer, village police said. The dispute with his ex-girlfriend reportedly lasted about four hours at her home.

She was arraigned in Village Court and released to probation supervision. Police said they have responded previously to a fight between the couple.