An Oak Bluffs man with outstanding domestic assault charges that include an allegation of strangulation, pleaded guilty in Edgartown District Court Monday to what was technically his third OUI. Lucas Riordon, 25, received a 90-day suspended sentence in the Dukes County House of Corrections and was placed on two years probation. Owing to his plea and the age of the offense, the third OUI offense was amended down to a second OUI offense.
Riordon was ordered to complete an inpatient program, to remain alcohol-free for six months and undergo SCRAM monitoring during that period. Riordon was assessed a $250 head injury fee, a $50 victim/witness fee, and a $50 victim of drunk driving fee. Probation fees were waived. Charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, an OUI charge with a license suspended for a previous OUI charge, speeding, and not being in possession of a driver’s license were dismissed at the request of the commonwealth.
On July 3, 2019, a state trooper observed a pickup truck, later determined to be operated by Riordon, traveling too fast on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Cape and Islands Assistant District Attorney Thomas Moakley told the court. Riordon was pulled over and was subsequently found to have a “strong and overpowering odor of alcohol” on his breath, Moakley said. Riordon showed other signs of intoxication, Moakley noted, and went on to do poorly in field sobriety tests. Those tests needed to be cut short for Riordon’s safety, Moakley said, as Riordon appeared in danger of falling over.
Riordon’s attorney, Robb Moriarty, told the court his client worked on a conch boat and asked for flexibility in the SCRAM testing to accommodate times when Riordon was on the water without cellular connectivity. It was unclear in court if that flexibility was granted by Judge Benjamin Barnes. However Moriarty later told The Times it had been and his client will be able to work with the probation department to accommodate his time working on a conch boat. Moriarty also stressed his client was found not to be dangerous by Judge Barnes at an October dangerousness hearing.
Riordon’s domestic assault case wasn’t heard Monday save to acknowledge discovery was underway. The alleged offenses date from Sept. 25. On that date, Edgartown Police hiked into a wooded area near Pennywise Path where they found a distraught woman who alleged Riordon beat her head against the ground and strangled her, according to a police report. The woman later allegedly told police she feared Riordon would kill her, according to a report.
Edgartown Police Officer Doron Klingensmith observed “red marks” around the victim’s neck “consistent with marks a hand and fingers would make while strangling a person,” a police report states. Officer Klingensmith also observed evidence the victim suffered a head injury, a report shows. Edgartown Police sought care for the woman and attempted to track down Riordon. Riordon was eventually found snoring in a tent, according to a report. Riordon denied strangling the woman and said her head injury happened because of a trip and fall accident, according to a report. Riordon was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a family or household member, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (the ground), and strangulation/suffocation. Riordon is slated for a court appearance on those charges Jan. 27, 2023.
Why this man is not in jail is the problem with the courts today. Looks like we have to wait until he kills someone before he is put away. Who’s property was the tent on? He needs help and being on the streets does not help him or the public.
Bob Murphy you are absolutely right.
And, even if he does kill someone, the Dems soft on crime policies will put him back on the streets!
Lucas Riordon is a danger to himself and others. This individual has not self control or personal discipline. Suspended sentence and probation for a third offense will not incentivize him to obey the law. The court should enforce the law. A place to live for 90 days in the house of corrections, daily planned activity, meals and withdrawal from banned substances and bad influences will provide him the structure to change his lifestyle for the better.
I see the usual right wingers piling on here about this guy being out on bail.
I’m gonna pile on also.
This is inexcusable and the judge should be ordered to get a psychiatric evaluation for himself.
I especially like how the attorney claimed his client was deemed “not dangerous” by another crazy judge.
So the first judge was obviously wrong, and that turns into the defenses’ argument after he bashes a woman’s head on the ground and puts enough pressure on her neck to leave visible bruises on her.
I mean , really, it seems the only way to get thrown in jail is to post something offensive on Facebook or Islander’s talk.
I’m so sick of this court. When do we get to charge them. .? Not keeping them off the streets. More victims. Start arresting the lawyers for co conspiracy with abusers and rapists. If cops are bringing them in, why are they on the streets fast ?
The system is dysfunctional. Run by poorly trained and educated people.
We must include counciling testing working to continue to work all while serving their time.
Maybe a curfew and place to sleep to ensure that you are following the steps.
We are a democracy.
The system is run by the people we elected.
Blame your friends and neighbors.
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