Woman charged with assault on pregnant caseworker

Woman charged with assault on pregnant caseworker

By Karen A. Kapsourakis

SALEM - A Lynn woman charged with beating and trying to strangle her pregnant 30-year-old case worker at the Department of Children and Family Services in Lynn in March remains held in custody on $3,000 cash bail.

Halua Msomi, 33, of 36 Surfside Road, #8, entered her plea of innocent to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon upon a pregnant person as well as assault and battery before Salem Superior Court Judge Timothy Q. Feeley.

Assistant District Attorney Kristen R. Buxton urged the judge to have her held without bail, saying she posed a danger to the victim.

The charges arise out of an incident on March 2 when Msomi allegedly attacked her 30-year-old case worker at the Department of Children and Family Services, located at 20 Wheeler St. in Lynn.

The victim told authorities that Msomi was upset with her regarding an earlier court date in Lowell involving visitation rights with her 7-year-old daughter, who was in foster care.

Msomi became agitated with her social worker at the office, grabbed the eight-months pregnant victim by her neck scarf, causing her to fall to the ground. Msomi then allegedly began twisting the scarf around the case worker's neck. Fellow employees interceded, pulling her off the victim.

The case worker was grasping for breath. She was taken to the hospital where she was treated and released. He neck was swollen, according to reports.

Defense attorney Kirk W. Bransfield of Lynn argued with Feeley that there could be terms of release if he found her a danger while asking for her to be released on her own personal recognizance.

Feeley found Msomi was a danger and imposed a $3,000 cash bail with the conditions if she makes that amount she is to have no contact with that DCF office except the Cape Ann office in Salem. She is forbidden to abuse any staff member, must take all prescribed medications, refrain from all alcohol and drugs, stay away from the victim and not possess any firearms or dangerous weapons.
She is due back in court on July 21 for a pretrial hearing.

http://www.thedailyitemoflynn.com/articles/2010/06/17/news/news16.txt