Friday Harbor man charged with domestic violence and strangulation

James Rockford Desermeaux, 25, of Friday Harbor has been charged with one count of assault in the second degree – strangulation, interfering with a report of domestic violence and malicious mischief in the third degree – domestic violence.

According to documents filed on Jan. 25 in San Juan County Superior Court, Desermeaux and the victim were at the victim’s house when Desermeaux reportedly “went into a rage.” He allegedly began pounding the wall, threw a plastic trash can at the victim and then pushed her backward while she was seated in a chair. She hit the floor with enough force that her head hit the floor and her glasses flew off.

Desermeaux then allegedly got on top of the victim, wrapped his hands around her neck and strangled her. The victim stated that she could not breathe and could feel her airway being cut off. According to court documents, the victim thought she was going to die. She continued to push Desermaux away, and he ultimately let go and went into the bathroom.

The victim said she tried to call 911 but her phone was shattered and inoperable after the reported struggle. She then left the residence and drove to a friend’s house, and the two of them went to the sheriff’s office to make a report.

According to the determination for probable cause, the deputy observed the victim’s injuries as an open wound on her back, red bruising on her biceps, scratches on her leg with dried blood and red marks on her neck. The cellphone, valued at approximately $595, had a shattered screen and was not working, the probable cause statement explained.

Desermeaux’s arraignment was on Feb. 4. An omnibus hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on March 4, a readiness hearing on April 8, a pre-trial conference is set for April 22 and a jury trial is set to begin on April 23.