Burlington, VT — An 18-year-old from Burlington involved in a violent group assault earlier this summer will avoid additional jail time following a plea agreement with the court. Antonio Hammond Jr., the only teen charged publicly following the incident, entered a guilty plea to charges of simple assault and aggravated assault.
In court, Chittenden County Deputy State’s Attorney Eliza Novick-Smith described the sentencing as an opportunity for Hammond to prove that the incident had served as a critical wake-up call. The attack, which occurred in downtown Burlington in August, was recorded on surveillance footage showing a man being punched and kicked by a group after he reportedly used racial slurs.
Though Hammond was not the individual who initiated the attack, he was seen kicking the victim in the head while the victim was on the ground. Vermont Superior Court Judge Michael Kupersmith told Hammond in court, “You are getting a significant break here. Frankly, these are pretty disturbing incidents.”
The terms of the plea agreement include a deferred sentence on the aggravated assault charge for three-and-a-half years while Hammond is on probation. During this period, he faces a potential 15-year felony charge if he violates the terms of his probation.
Defense attorney Harley Brown emphasized the gravity of the situation to Hammond, noting that his future actions could literally hold the key to his freedom or further incarceration. “It gives him a chance to redeem himself,” Brown stated.
This assault is one of several incidents attributed to a group of young individuals, some of whom were armed during the occurrences, according to Burlington police. These events have raised concerns about youth violence in the community.
In response to the escalating violence, Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak recently discussed the challenges at a meeting with local business leaders. Mulvaney-Stanak highlighted the need for increased engagement with youth and their families to break the cycle of violence. The mayor also announced that a community safety forum focusing on youth violence is scheduled to take place on November 7.
The community awaits the outcomes of such engagements, hoping for strategies that will effectively address and mitigate youth violence in Burlington. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by cities dealing with similar issues nationwide, prompting discussions on the best practices for intervention and prevention in youth-related crimes.