Assault Charges Brought Against Student

Author: Campus Editor in Chief

Charles Alvarez '05 was arraigned on domestic assault charges following a Jan. 25 incident in Gifford Lounge during which he allegedly struck ex-girlfriend Yashika Walker '05. According to court documents, Walker told police that Alvarez pulled out several braids of her hair and struck her with his closed hand.
Alvarez appeared in Vermont District Court yesterday for a status conference before Judge Helen Toor. Public Defender Kate Moore, who is representing Alvarez, said her client is currently living in New York.
Alvarez declined to comment on the charges against him following the brief courtroom appearance.
He was initially lodged at the Addison County Sheriff's Department for lack of $10,000 bail, but has since been released under the condition that he not contact Walker. He is also required to call his attorney and the Addison County Sheriff's Department each Monday.
Court documents identify two Middlebury College students who witnessed the alleged assault. Floyd Branch '05 gave a sworn written statement to police stating that Alvarez grabbed Walker by the wrist by force while he was dancing with her.
Naomi Andrews '03, the other witness named in the police affidavit, told The Middlebury Campus that the incident occurred at senior Gillian Wood's 23rd birthday party, which was held in the second floor lounge of Gifford Hall on Jan. 25. Andrews estimated there were roughly 50 people at the party at the time of the alleged assault.
In her statement to police, Andrews said that Alvarez had invaded Walker's space. Andrews also said that Walker had pushed Alvarez away, motioned no with her hands and proceeded to run to a couch to sit down. Alvarez then grabbed Walker forcefully, according to court documents, and the pair began striking each other.
Two Middlebury Police officers responded to the scene at approximately 12:45 a.m. after receiving a complaint from Walker.
In a written statement to police, Walker also alleged that Alvarez said to her during the episode, "You f-- with me, you f-- with death."
Police noted in court records that Walker did not require medical attention for her injuries, although she was in pain from her pulled hair and the blow to the right side of her face.
Alvarez is due to appear on March 17 before Addison District Court for another status conference. He has entered a plea of not guilty to the domestic assault charge against him.
Attempts to contact Walker were unsuccessful yesterday.