Mays Landing, N.J. — Derrick Lewis, a 64-year-old resident of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault in a domestic violence case during a court appearance on Friday, December 5. The plea was made before Judge Dorothy Garrabrant.
The agreement reached in court recommends a sentence of five years in state prison. Under the No Early Release Act, Lewis faces a mandatory 85% of his sentence without the possibility of parole, according to officials with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident that led to Lewis’s conviction occurred on June 28, when officers from the Atlantic City Police Department responded to reports of a domestic assault in the 1500 block of Atlantic Avenue. Upon arrival, they spoke with the victim, who recounted a harrowing account of the attack. She described how Lewis repeatedly kicked and punched her in the face and ribs before placing her in a chokehold inside her vehicle.
The victim managed to escape the vehicle and sought assistance from a nearby bystander. Before police arrived at the scene, Lewis fled, triggering a search by law enforcement. Later that same day, officers apprehended him.
The troubling incident sheds light on the ongoing issues of domestic violence that plague communities, sparking calls for both preventive measures and support systems for victims. Atlantic County officials emphasize the importance of reporting such assaults and seeking help.
Sentencing for Lewis is set for March 20, 2026, a date that will determine his official punishment and mark a significant moment for justice in this case. The outcome serves as a reminder of the legal system’s role in addressing domestic violence and holding offenders accountable.