Mugshot of Shamall Fleming. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A man has been charged with multiple offenses after he allegedly assaulted his wife, who he claims offered him money in exchange for marriage.
Shamall Fleming is charged with simple assault, second-degree assault, destruction of property and disturbance of the peace, all categorized as crimes of domestic violence. The charge of second-degree assault carries the heaviest penalty — up to 10 years behind bars and a maximum fine of $1000.
According to police, Fleming’s wife made contact with the V.I.P.D. on Thursday morning and officers observed a damaged phone in her hand and scratches to her neck. The woman stated that earlier that morning Fleming had used derogatory terms and obscene language towards her after she mentioned his smoking in the house and again after she asked for the remote. She told police that she later locked him out of her apartment and when he returned he started banging on the door and shouting. She eventually opened the door to avoid causing a scene and to allow him to get his things and leave her apartment.
The woman stated that he then made a disrespectful comment towards her and she ignored him. However, she noticed him wrapping a towel around his hand and he immediately started punching her to the back of the head. She said he also grabbed a cushion, placed it against her head and started punching on it.
The woman then called 911 during the alleged assault and reported it. The alleged victim said Fleming then grabbed her by the throat and she couldn’t breathe for a few seconds. After he released her, she continued to report what he was doing, at which point he accused her of lying. Fleming then allegedly grabbed the phone and slammed it on the floor and against the wall. She said he punched her to the back of the head again and stated, “You called police on me. I bet you I kill you before the day ends.” He then got dressed and left, at which point she went to the police station.
At the station, the victim told police of an ongoing situation which included incidents where Fleming allegedly pulled a gun on her and threatened to kill her, as well as another incident where he allegedly caused her to miscarry after slamming her against a wall. She also accused Fleming of infidelity and described indecent behavior he allegedly perpetrated against her. The woman further told police that Fleming refuses to leave her home despite her asking him to and even calling his parents to help him leave. She also suggested that his treatment towards her was because she has no status or family in the Virgin Islands.
The morning after the report, two officers made contact with Fleming and advised him of his rights. In his statement, he told the officers that he got into an argument with his wife the previous morning because she keeps trying to put him out for no reason. Fleming claimed that they verbally argued and she called 911 and told them lies. He admitted to smashing her phone but denied striking or strangling her at any point. Fleming suggested that any injuries which the woman may have were self-inflicted.
According to the probable cause fact sheet, Fleming then accused his wife of infidelity and further made allegations that their marriage was fake, claiming that she had offered him $10,000 to marry her for papers. He told officers that he and the woman got married two weeks after he allegedly met her in a strip club. Fleming further stated that after a series of disagreements he eventually told the woman that he would leave her, but that he wanted to get the money they allegedly agreed upon. He reportedly told police, “I am the victim in all this.” He was later arrested and turned over to the Bureau of Corrections.
At Fleming’s advisement hearing on Monday, Assistant V. I. Attorney General Brenda Scales noted that if the allegations against him are true, they are very troubling. Scales maintained that the defendant needs to be evicted from the residence and should be ordered to remain at least 20 feet from the victim. Meanwhile, attorney Andy Johnson argued that despite the “salacious and numerous allegations” in the fact sheet, the “only real evidence” was a broken phone and “what looks to be one scratch” on the woman’s neck. Johnson further stated that he could not even tell how old the scratch was.
At the conclusion of the hearing, judge Paula Norkaitis set bail at $5,000, with allowance for the posting of 10 percent. Fleming has been ordered to surrender his passport and driver’s license as a precaution to ensure that he does not flee the jurisdiction. Apart from one opportunity to retrieve his belongings under police escort, the defendant is prohibited from returning to the victim’s residence. He is also required to maintain a 20-foot distance at all times and is barred from having any unlawful contact with her.
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