By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Friday, December 5, Derrick Lewis, 64, from Atlantic City, pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault on a domestic violence victim in front of the Honorable Dorothy Garrabrant, J.S.C.
The plea calls for a recommended sentence of five years in New Jersey State prison, subject to an 85% period of parole ineligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act, ACPO officials say.
According to Atlantic County officials, on June 28, Atlantic City Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Atlantic Avenue in reference to a domestic assault.
Police spoke to the victim, who reported the defendant repeatedly kicked and punched her in the face and ribs before strangling her inside her vehicle, Atlantic County officials stated.
The victim was able to exit the vehicle and seek help from a bystander. Lewis fled the scene before police arrived, ACPO officials said.
Atlantic County authorities say Atlantic City Police Department officers located and apprehended Lewis later that day.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2026.