The case of a former MPS paraprofessional charged in a slapping incident with a disabled student has taken yet another turn.
Under a deferred prosecution agreement, Demitrios Visvardis was required to complete an anger management program. During a June 4 review hearing, Judge David Borowski learned he had no documentation of progress.
Visvardis was required to complete 40 hours of community service. Again, he had no documentation of progress.
Finally, among other conditions obtained by the Journal Sentinel, Visvardis was required to write a one- to two-page essay on the impact a criminal conviction would have on his life. No documentation of progress.
Visvardis accepted the agreement reached in February after being charged with misdemeanor battery of a special education student at Riverside High School last November. The agreement will allow him to avoid conviction for the incident with 18-year-old Shrone Dunn if he successfully completes the court-ordered conditions.
Alexander Kostal, Visvardis’ attorney, said his client is working through the list. The former MPS paraprofessional expects to complete all tasks and submit documentation to the district attorney’s office in one to two months, he told Borowski.
“This is not a good look, coming to court without having anything submitted to the DA’s office,” Borowski told Visvardis.
Visvardis told Borowski he is enrolled in anger management classes and plans to complete his community service hours at his church before the end of the month.
Assistant District Attorney Erin Karshen requested another hearing be scheduled within the next few weeks to ensure Visvardis satisfies the agreement.
Borowski agreed, warning that failure to produce documentation demonstrating substantial progress before the next hearing could result in either direct revocation or a request that the state seek revocation.
The agreement also prohibits Visvardis from seeking employment in “a school, group home, or other employment where he would interact directly with vulnerable people.” That restriction remains in effect.
A second review hearing is scheduled for June 25.
April Quevedo covers Metcalfe Park for the Journal Sentinel’s Neighborhood Dispatch. Contact: aquevedo@usatodayco.com.
Neighborhood Dispatch reporting is supported by Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Journal Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and reader contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project. Journal Sentinel editors maintain full editorial control over all content. To support this work, visit jsonline.com/support. Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation (memo: “JS Community Journalism”) and mailed to P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former MPS staffer not yet meeting conditions of slapping case deal
Reporting by April Quevedo, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By April Quevedo, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
