October 22, 2019- Commonwealth v. Fauslet Alceus:  A Dauphin County jury found Fauslet Alceus, originally from Haiti, guilty of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault of an Unborn Child, two counts of Aggravated Assault with Victim Less than 6, Strangulation, Corruption of Minors and two counts of Endangering Welfare of Children.  

The charges were a result of an attack on September 9, 2017.   On that date, at about 4:00 a.m., Alceus showed up to where his ex-wife, who was 5 months pregnant at the time, was staying with her children.   He dragged her out of bed by her hair and began punching and kicking her.  He then took both hands to her neck and strangled her, causing her to have trouble breathing and to feel faint.  The couples’ shared twins were crying, so the victim grabbed them to soothe them.  Alceus continued to punch and hit her while she was holding the twins, which caused the twins to obtain cuts and scratches to their heads.   The victim fell with the twins in her arms, yet Alceus continued to hit her and kick her in the stomach while she was on the ground.  Alceus broke her phone during the assault and left telling her he would always find her.

The victim went to the hospital with her children for treatment.  The twins had cuts on their heads and scalp but were discharged.   The victim had scratches all over her back, bruising on her arm, a black eye, a swollen knee, scratches on her neck, abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.  Thankfully, the baby was not found to be in distress, but the victim was treated for all of her injuries.  The victim testified that she initially did not want to tell the police or go to the hospital because she normally keeps things in the family and she had to be strong.   The severity of the injuries and the concern for her children caused her to ultimately seek help.   Once there, she told officers that she was assaulted and that Alceus was the one who did it.

During trial, defense counsel argued that Alceus was not there.  Alceus took the stand and told the jury that he was at the casino the night before and went to his friend’s home.  The victim was reluctant to testify against someone she once had a relationship with, but ultimately, she obeyed the Commonwealth’s subpoena and demonstrated true strength on the stand.  

Senior Deputy District Attorney Sarah M. Phillips argued:  That the victim testifying “to 14 strangers to tell what happened to her was extremely difficult for anyone and especially her, and was brave.  You saw how uncomfortable she was, even hard to keep her voice up and explain the sad and upsetting day for her.”  Phillips argued that victim had been consistent in her testimony, statements to police, and to hospital staff. 

After the verdict, Phillips stated:

“The Commonwealth is glad the jury was able to see the truth in this situation.  The victim initially was unwilling to come to court but was very brave and strong in her testimony and ultimately realized how important it was for her to share her story with the jury.  She was very relieved by the jury’s verdict and felt satisfaction in being believed. This case was a true example of the dangers of a domestic violence situation and the cycle many victims experience on a daily basis.   If you find yourself in this type of situation, please reach out for assistance because help is available.”

Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Officer Matthew Gallup investigated this case.

Sentencing is set for January 29, 2020, before Judge Deborah E. Curcillo.  The defendant was remanded to Dauphin County Prison pending sentencing.