Ohio man’s assault victims demand justice after judge releases attacker again
Two victims of an Ohio man who recently pleaded guilty to carrying out a series of brutal attacks in Cleveland are voicing their outrage after a judge released him again. Serus Walters, 20, pleaded guilty on May 19 to assaulting three men, according to Cuyahoga County court records. However, Judge Cassandra Collier-Williams reduced Walters’ felony charge to a misdemeanor and released him on time served after his plea, leaving victims shocked and appalled by the decision.
Los Angeles-based attorney David Dudley, 64, was one of the victims who spoke out against the judge’s decision. Dudley, who was visiting Cleveland on business when Walters attacked him at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Cleveland, described the assault as a terrifying experience. Walters kicked Dudley in the ribs, shoulder, and repeatedly in the back of the head, leading Dudley to believe that Walters was trying to kill him. Dudley, who has appeared in front of over a thousand judges in his career, expressed disbelief at Judge Collier-Williams’ decision to release Walters without any form of supervision.
Another victim, who only identified himself as “Tony,” recounted how Walters attacked him in Tower City on March 11, 2024. Despite Walters being arrested for the assault, he was released the following day. Walters was also previously arrested and released in connection with an assault near Whiskey Island that left a man in need of stitches. Court records show that Walters was indicted for the three separate assaults in May 2024.
Walters’ defense attorney, Frank Triozzi, had filed a motion seeking reduced bond in May 2024, citing Walters’ young age of 19 years old at the time and his responsibilities as a father. Triozzi argued that GPS monitoring would be sufficient to ensure the safety of the public and the alleged victims. However, Walters was arrested again just two days after his release for a minor offense in Garfield Heights.
The victims and the community at large are left questioning the judge’s decision to release Walters without supervision, especially considering the severity of the offenses he committed. The lack of accountability and consequences for Walters’ actions have left victims feeling betrayed by the justice system. The Cuyahoga County Courthouse, where these decisions were made, is now under scrutiny for its handling of this case. As the victims continue to seek justice, they hope that Walters will face the consequences of his actions and be held accountable for the harm he has caused.
