By Michael Bielawski,
BURLINGTON - A Vermont man facing multiple assault charges for allegedly beating another man unconscious during a robbery has been released by a judge to his mother under the terms that he promised not to attack anyone else. The man also has 35 run-ins with law enforcement, 11 of them violent incidents.
Abdirahman Mohammed, 22, is accused of attacking - along with others in a group - a couple in downtown Burlington back in April. He allegedly punched and kicked the victim 22 times while he was down, rendering him unconscious. More than $2,000 in items were stolen from him and his girlfriend, who was also injured.
Mohammed was arrested and put into prison back in October. This past week, Vermont Superior Court Judge David Fenster decided to let him go again.
11 violent incidents on record
VDC has noted that Mohammed has been on the radar of law enforcement and the judicial system many times. It was reported in October, “Since 2020, Mohammed has been involved in 35 incidents; 11 of them being violent assaults/incidents, 2 of them being homicides, and multiple being firearms related.”
At least one such incident involved a death. VDC notes, “According to a December, 2022, news article by Mike Donoghue, Mohammed and Bangoura were both active participants in a fight that resulted in a stabbing death in Burlington. A man reportedly affiliated with the Crips gang and its drug distribution was arrested.”
Five youths attacked couple
The incident in question took place on April 28. WCAX reported, “The arrests [of five suspects] were in connection to a group assault that took place on Main Street on the morning of April 28. The Burlington Police Department said one person was knocked unconscious following a physical altercation involving multiple suspects. Police also said the victims were robbed during the attack.”
The other suspects from the attack were Ibrahima Bangoura, 22, of Burlington, Ayub Mohamud, 23, of Winooski, Shuaib Mohamud, 21, of St. Albans City, and Kalell Picard, 19, of Essex Junction. The report notes the woman with the man who was attacked/robbed was injured as well.
The suspects did not all face the same charges. “Both Mohammed and Bangoura were charged with aggravated assault and simple assault and ordered held without bail. Ayub Mohamud was also charged with aggravated assault and simple assault but was released on conditions that include 24-hour curfew in St. Albans,” the report notes.
Public is angry
The public reaction to his release both in the comments of the news report and social media has ranged from frustration to hostility towards the Vermont judicial system. There were 22 comments on Newsbreak.
‘Ed’ wrote, “Seriously. Another [bleeping] Catch and release for a violent offender. What is wrong with the Vermont legal system? They’re supposed to protect the innocent citizens, not the violent offenders. It’s time to start replacing these incompetent judges and lawmakers.”
‘Gracie’ wrote, “👻Oooh😱..."in the custody of his mother, with strict restrictions, to be with her at all times, and not to engage in violent behavior"...THAT'LL teach him!! Is this a damn joke?? This is getting utterly disgusting and outright pathetic!! The POS should be sitting behind bars not sitting on mommy's lap!!”
On X, the frustration continued. ‘@VtLady3’ wrote, “If Sarah George continues to release these violent criminals back into society to continue to terrorize Vermont citizens, then don't be surprised if Vermont citizens start to form vigilante groups to protect themselves. Burlington is beyond ridiculous!”
@BarrengerPaul wrote, “The majority of Vermont VOTERS are reaping the seeds they sow for all Vermonters that Sara George represents. I would think that representation would be something the majority of voters would be against. But here we are living the dream.”
The author is a writer for the Vermont Daily Chronicle
Comments