Harres Exezidis was convicted of Assault Family Violence by a jury on January 12, 2017 and was sentenced to a 2-year probation a week later. The 39-year old Houston man was charged with attacking his wife in August of 2014.
According to Assistant District Attorney Johnny Wen, Exezidis and his wife attended a party at a friend’s home with their children on the night of August 22, 2014. At some point, the wife started feeling ill and wanted to go home. Once the family arrived home, the woman became ill and went to the bathroom. During this time, an argument occurred between Exezidis and his wife. The defendant then proceeded to kick his wife in the head and punch her repeatedly in the lower back, buttocks, and hip. The victim testified that she tried to get away from Exezidis, but that he physically grabbed her and forced her to remain within the home. The victim suffered a contusion in her eye, bruises on her body, and symptoms of a concussion.
When the defendant fell asleep that night, his wife was finally able to use her cellphone to contact her friends and family for help. The woman’s father arrived at the home, but when he knocked on the front door, Exezidis answered. The defendant was unable to give a clear explanation as to what happened to his wife so the man left with his daughter and called authorities in the morning. An investigation ensued and resulted in Exezidis being formally charged with Assault – Family Violence. Exezidis’ victim filed for divorce three days later.
“I appreciate the hard work and attentiveness of the jury who heard the case,” said Wen. “Most importantly, I credit the courage and bravery of the victim who was able to take the witness stand and testify against her attacker and ex-husband.”
The defendant was tried in County Court at Law #2 before Presiding Judge Jeffrey McMeans. Exezidis elected for the court to assess punishment, which then sentenced him to a 24-month probation. During his probation, Exezidis must complete domestic violence counseling, perform community service, pay a $1,500 fine and donate $100 to the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. If the defendant does not successfully complete the terms of his probation, the State can ask the court to revoke his probation and assess a jail sentence of up to one year.
Assistant District Attorneys Johnny Wen and Caroline Kim prosecuted the case. Attorneys Chip Lewis and Alicia O’Neill represented the defendant.