WILMINGTON — One of three juveniles allegedly involved in an assault on a Landfall security guard over the Independence Day weekend is now being charged as an adult.
The minor — Port City Daily is withholding the name as is typical practice with juveniles — will be tried as an adult per General Statue 7B-2202.5. The law states an individual 16 years or older who commits a class F or G felony will automatically be transferred from juvenile to Superior Court.
The 17-year-old is being charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury, a class F felony carrying a sentence of up to almost five years of prison time.
READ MORE: 2 additional juveniles to turn themselves in on charges in Landfall security guard assault
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The teen allegedly partook in a July 3 attack of a Landfall security guard during the country club’s firework show. The charges were filed in Superior Court on Monday, July 27.
On July 29, the New Hanover County Superior Court set the teen’s secured bond at $50,000.
New Hanover County Juvenile Services told Port City Daily they were unable to confirm if the teenager was in custody or if his bond has been paid, since he is a minor.
If paid, the juvenile must be released to parental custody. He would be ordered to remain on house arrest with electronic monitoring, have no contact with his co-defendants or have contact with any victims or witnesses, according to court documents.
He would only be able to leave house arrest for court, attorney visits and medical reasons and must be accompanied by a parent during these trips.
Social media is also banned while on house arrest.
The juvenile has an administrative hearing scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14, at the New Hanover County Courthouse. He is being represented by Thomas Lightburn Woodrum II, a public defender.
The victim in the case has been confirmed as Landfall security guard Russell James. Others involved — either as witnesses or additional victims — are named in court documents as Clay Emerson and Steven Satrazemis. James and Satarzemis did not respond to Port City Daily’s request for comment by press.
Emerson told Port City Daily last month he had been instructed by legal council not to give any statements regarding the incident.
A GoFundMe for James, who suffered injuries such as a concussion, black eye and vision impairment, has reached $86,429 out of the $90,000 goal. As of July 15, James was still receiving his salary from the Country Club of Landfall and will eventually receive funds through his workers compensation policy. All money raised from GoFundMe will be used to cover his legal and medical expenses.
There has been no update on the two other juveniles charged in relation to the assault.
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