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Felony assault cases dismissed due to victims not cooperating.
#OceanaCountyCrime
By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.
HART — Felony charges against two defendants in separate criminal cases were dismissed recently in 78th District Court due to the victims refusing to cooperate.
Riggs
Joseph Alan Riggs, 35, of 5839 W. 5th St., Mears, was charged with third-offense domestic violence and a fourth-offense habitual offender notice. He was lodged in the Oceana County Jail on a $50,000/cash/surety/10 percent bond.
Alonso Rosas, 39, of 315 Courtland St., Hart, was charged with felonious assault, with a pistol; unlawful imprisonment; and felony firearm. His bond was set at $15,000/cash/surety/10 percent.
The victim in Riggs’ case, a man living in the home who is in a dating relationship with Riggs’ niece who also lived in the home, failed to appear for the preliminary exam, Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon said. The niece, who was also a possible witness, failed to appear for the court hearing as well.
“There was no evidence available to establish probable cause,” Bizon
Rosas
said. “Therefore, the court dismissed the charges.”
The victim in Rosas’ case appeared at the preliminary examination, was placed under oath, and testified he would not testify against Rosas, Bizon said. “Without any evidence to establish probable cause, the court dismissed the charges.”
Rosas allegedly assaulted and imprisoned his male roommate last August.
“Other collateral charges that are not dependent upon that witness are being considered,” Bizon said.
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