Mugshot of Eric Brooks. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for a man who allegedly spat all over a fast food restaurant and made indecent comments about children.
Eric Brooks, 34 of North Carolina has been charged with disturbance of the peace, destruction of property and vagrancy. According to the probable cause fact sheet, Brooks displayed aggression towards the store manager of a fast-food restaurant who discovered him in the female washroom after hearing the door slam. The woman told police that upon encountering Brooks, she asked him to leave since the establishment was closed, but Brooks responded, “I’m washing my [expletive] hands.” After telling him that she would call the police, Brooks stated, “call the police you black [expletive].” The complaint claims that while she called 911, Brooks continued to yell and call her derogatory names.
It is further alleged that upon seeing the woman’s 12-year-old son in the store, Brooks said made indecent sexual comments about the child. According to the store manager, he then started spitting on tables and chairs. The woman told police that she instructed her minor son to leave the area as Brooks began to tug and slam doors in the establishment. His aggression increased and he continued to spit all over the establishment. Brooks then left and headed towards neighboring stores. The alleged incident took place at around 8:40 a.m. on Friday, October 29th.
When police responded, the complainant positively identified Brooks who was two doors down from the store. Upon making contact with Brooks, officers observed him drinking whiskey from a bottle. When questioned by law enforcement, he admitted to damaging doors and spitting inside the establishment. According to the fact sheet, Brooks also stated in the presence of police that he wants to sexually assault children and began thrusting his waist back and forth. He was arrested and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections as he was unable to post bail which was set at $1000.
At his advisement hearing on Monday, Assistant Attorney General Brenda Scales noted that there was no indication that Brooks had any ties to the jurisdiction. She told the court that while the people do not know much about the defendant, what they are concerned about is the statements he made to the store manager and police.
Meanwhile, Public Defender Paula Norkaitis explained that Brooks came to the Virgin Islands as a visitor approximately two weeks ago and while he was planning to leave, he had not yet secured a ticket. The attorney requested that the court consider allowing Brooks to post 10 percent of the bail amount.
After considering the facts presented, Judge Carolyn Hermon- Percell noted that she considers Brooks a flight risk and is “greatly concerned” about whether he will appear for future court proceedings. Brooks has therefore been ordered to submit all travel documents and is prohibited from leaving the territory without court permission. While bail will remain set in the amount of $1,000 with no 10 percent provision, Brooks cannot be released from custody unless he identifies a suitable place where he will reside during the pendency of the matter.
The Judge also affirmed that she was “troubled” by the statements Brooks made concerning children. As such, he must undergo a mental health evaluation which must be submitted to the court before he can be released on bail. The court has also sought to ensure the safety of the complaining witness and her son by prohibiting Brooks from having any contact with them. He has also been ordered to remain at least 10 feet away from them at all times and must not visit their residence or the store where the complainant works.
If convicted of vagrancy, Brooks faces a maximum fine of $5,000, imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both. Meanwhile, the charge of disturbance of the peace carries a fine not exceeding $100, a prison term of not more than 90 days, or both. The offense of destruction of property is punishable by a maximum fine of $200, imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.
