Auburn, NY - Acting District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci announced today that following a five-day trial, a Cayuga County Court jury returned a guilty verdict against Justin TILLMON, 35, of Auburn, on all three counts submitted to the jury: two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D Violent Felonies, and one count of Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.
The evidence adduced at trial showed that on January 24, 2018, police responded to the area of Washington Street, in the City of Auburn for reports of an assault. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, TILLMON’S then girlfriend, who had been assaulted by the defendant. The victim fractured her right hand after being thrown down a flight of stairs by the defendant during the assault. Upon arrival, the evidence showed that defendant struggled with law enforcement officers in an attempt to avoid arrest. During the struggle, one of the police officers suffered a concussion when TILLMON pushed the officer down a flight of stairs, causing him to fall head first into a wall. The other officer suffered a left knee contusion when he fell onto a frying pan while attempting to place TILLMON under arrest. All three victims required hospital treatment.
TILLMON was originally convicted after a jury trial on March 7, 2019. On August 26, 2021, the prior conviction was reversed on appeal after the Appellate Division found that the trial court had committed an error during jury selection.
The jury of seven women and five men deliberated for just under two hours. Chief Assistant District Attorney Chris Valdina handled the retrial, with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Britton Bouchard. TILLMON faces an aggregate term of 14 years in prison and is currently held in custody with no bail. Sentence is scheduled for July 7, 2022 before the Honorable Thomas G. Leone.
Acting DA Brittany Grome Antonacci commented: “We are pleased with the jury’s verdict and commend them for the time and consideration they gave listening to the evidence throughout the trial. I hope that this conviction provides the victim with justice and allows her to continue to heal from the violence she endured. I understand that it takes a great deal of strength to come forward and applaud her for her bravery in testifying against her abuser. Our Office was committed to retrying this case in an effort to not only obtain justice for victims of domestic violence, but to send a message that there is zero tolerance for violence against those who protect and serve our community.”