On Dec. 4, the 911 emergency call center received a report of child abuse from John H. Woodson Junior High School on St. Croix, the V.I. Police Department reported.
School officials and the victim, who stated he was assaulted by a family member, spoke with officers. A detective from the Domestic Violence Unit contacted the victim, who reported being strangled by a family member, resulting in neck injuries and temporary inability to breathe, according to the police report.
Police contacted Juliana Derima, who agreed to provide a statement at the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station. After receiving Miranda warnings, Derima admitted to placing her hand around the victim’s throat to maintain control. Derima, 31, was arrested for assault, second-degree (a domestic violence offense), and additionally charged with child abuse and simple assault and battery-domestic violence.
No bail was set. Derima was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility without bail, pending her advice of rights hearing.
