Crime & Safety

Swampscott Man Charged With Beating Former Business Partner

The suspect's lawyer says his client, a retired corrections officer, acted in self defense and will seek charges against the other party.

 

A Swampscott man faces a slew of charges including assault with intent to kill for allegedly attacking a former business partner on May 2, outside a Revere Beach Boulevard restaurant.

Kenneth Michaud, 40, of Swampscott, pleaded not guilty Monday in Suffolk County District Court to mayhem, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and the intent to kill charges.

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Michaud was released on personal recognizance by the judge, and the defendant is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on June 12.

The defendant's lawyer, Gary Zerola, said the allegations are "absolutely false" and his client was attacked by the "so-called victim."

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The prosecution alleges that Michaud bit off part of the victim's nose after a heated meeting inside a Revere restaurant over the victim's decision to disengage from a business venture. 

Once outside, Michaud allegedly attacked the victim, striking him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground, and kicking him, the prosecution stated.

"At one point, while the victim was on the ground, Michaud began to bite the man on the face, tearing part of his nose off," according to a news release from the Suffolk DA's office. "The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital and, later, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary for treatment."

Michaud's lawyer said his client was attacked by the man outside the restaurant.

"Anything he did, he did in self-defense," Zerola said.

Michaud's lawyer said charges should be brought against the other party, and he looks forward to questioning him on the stand.

The two had an agreement for an auto sales business that never got off the ground, and Michaud was in the process of dissolving the agreement, the lawyer said.

Zerola said his client retired after an exemplary career of more than 20 years as a correction's officer.


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