Former Homeless Man Gets 12-Year Prison Sentence

A former Fredericksburg homeless man will spend 12 years in prison for an assault that happened on Nov. 28, 2011, in downtown Fredericksburg.

Alexander Archer, 64, was sentenced July 11 in Fredericksburg Circuit Court to the jury's recommendation of 12 years in prison for convictions of statutory burglary, obstruction of justice and assault and battery. Archer was already on the Virginia State Police Sex Offender registry for aggravated sexual battery on Nov. 10, 2005. Upon his release from prison, Archer will serve 36 months on probation.

On November 29, 2011, Robert Artois obtained a warrant against Archer for an assault that occurred on Nov. 28, 2011, according to Fredericksburg Police Department spokeswoman Natatia Bledsoe. Artois lived at 1116 Caroline St. next to Archer at 1118 Caroline St.

Artois, who was homeless a few years ago, accused Archer of grabbing his arm and punching him in the face as he brought trash to a Dumpster at the apartment building at 1118 Caroline St. He said that Archer was mad at him because he thought he he had called the landlord about his drinking.

Shelia Jean Colosimo, who lives in the same building as Archer, testified against Archer in the case and Archer was ultimately convicted of the assault.

On Jan. 13, Colosimo reported that Archer came to her residence and beat on the door. When she answered, he forced his way inside and allegedly attacked her and threatened to kill her. A magistrate issued warrants against Archer for intimidating a witness (obstruction of justice), unlawful entry and revocation of his bond for the assault conviction, and they were served a day later.

On Jan. 25, after Colosimo was interviewed, Fredericksburg Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Kevin Gross recommended that police obtain additional warrants against Archer for felony breaking and entering at night with intent to commit assault (statutory burglary) and misdemeanor assault and battery. Those warrants were served on Archer while he was in jail.

. He was acquitted of assault and battery of Colosimo. Micah Ministries assisted the three with housing.

Related Content: