Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to show the title of a CSO. It is a Court Services Officer, not a Community Safety Officer.
A fight between three prisoners being transported to court from the Wildwood Pretrial facility resulted in more charges for two of the people involved.
According to charging documents, police say Alyssa Espinoza instigated a fight between AJ Duvall and her co-defendant Tyler Lewis after she called Lewis a “rat” and told him he should not talk to the cops or take a deal being offered to him in their case.
Espinoza encouraged Duvall to attack Lewis and Duvall head-butted Lewis several times as the three rode in a Kenai Judicial Services van, according to a police affidavit.
Espinoza then thanked Duvall who left Lewis with a bloody laceration above his right eyebrow and bruising on his face and head, according to the affidavit.
Espinoza is facing seven felony charges for burglary, theft, first-degree vehicle theft and misconduct involving weapons in a case with Lewis that involved the burglary of a shop off Gas Well Road in Soldotna.
Duvall, of Nikiski, was arrested in October after an extensive manhunt by Alaska State Troopers. He had a $3,000 warrant out for his arrest for a parole violation and was charged with fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance and resisting arrest. He faced up to six years in prison on the two charges.
Court Services Officers who were escorting the three prisoners heard Espinoza thank Duvall for attacking Lewis, according to the police affidavit, and the van had to return to Wildwood quickly so that the officers could get help dealing with the situation.
AJ Duvall faces additional misdemeanor charges of fourth degree assault and disorderly conduct while Espinoza was charged with felony tampering with a witness, misdemeanor assault, unlawful contact, and disorderly conduct.
Fourth degree assault and unlawful contact are class A misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Disorderly conduct is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Tampering with a witness is a class C felony which can result in a prison term of up to five years and a fine up to $50,000.
Duvall’s next hearing is Thursday at 10 a.m. in Kenai while Espinoza is set to appear at 4 p.m. on the same day.
Reach Rashah McChesney at rashah.mcchesney@peninsulaclarion.com.
