GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A woman charged with participating in a riot that heavily damaged downtown Grand Rapids more than seven months ago has rejected a plea offer, opting to take her felony case to trial.
Alexandria Nicole Lyons, 22, is charged with inciting a riot. The charge accuses her of engaging in conduct that urged other persons to commit unlawful burning or destruction of property.
Although the charge is a 10-year felony, a conviction could bring Lyons additional time because of her criminal past. Lyons has a 2017 drug conviction in Ottawa County that put her on probation.
The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office agreed to dismiss the habitual offender information if Lyons entered a plea to inciting a riot.
“Do you intend to accept that offer or do you want to reject it and go to trial?’’ Kent County Circuit Court Judge Curt Benson asked Lyons during a Wednesday afternoon status conference.
“I would like to reject it and go to trial,’’ Lyons responded.
Investigators say she live-streamed portions of the riot on social media, including destruction of a building at 82 Ionia Avenue NW. The building houses the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.
Lyons is among 22 people charged in the riot that overtook Grand Rapids May 30-31 following a protest to condemn the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
An adult and a minor entered guilty pleas in December.
Clare Anwyn Newhall, 22, pleaded guilty to riot and a misdemeanor count of malicious destruction. Investigators say she damaged the Michigan Secretary of State building at 1 North Division Avenue. The building also houses federal bankruptcy court. She awaits sentencing.
The only juvenile to be charged, a 16-year-old girl, admitted to damaging the Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW.
A juvenile court referee placed her in a secure juvenile detention facility in eastern Michigan. A review hearing is set for late February.
During Wednesday's status conference, Benson told Lyons she risks having her bond revoked for not reporting to her probation agent.
“I’ve got an email saying that he’s not heard from you. He’s been attempting to contact you several times and you have not responded,’’ Benson said. “Can you explain that?’’
“Well, I was in the hospital on Monday, I believe,’’ Lyons responded. “And then I tried calling him back when I got out. And then I didn’t hear from him until then. ‘’
Benson instructed Lyons to call court services right away.
“It’s really important you make that phone call, because if I get more reports that you’re not contacting court services, I may be forced to revoke your bond and I don’t want to do that,’’ he said. “No excuses. Get in touch with these people and stay in touch with them.’’
Lyons was arraigned on the riot charge in early June. In July, she got in trouble for violating conditions of her bond. An arrest warrant was issued when Lyons missed a July 24 hearing on the matter. Her case was moved to Kent County Circuit Court in August.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.