Introduction to the Case
Robert Cosby Jr., the son of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby, has pleaded guilty to charges of assault and violating a protective order, court documents show.
The 23-year-old entered his plea on Nov. 25 in Salt Lake County District Court, according to the records.
Charges and Plea Agreement
Cosby Jr. had faced more than a dozen charges stemming from incidents from September to November related to violations of orders to stay away from his wife, Alexiana Smokoff. Court records show he pleaded guilty to two counts of violation of a pretrial protective order and assault of a peace officer. A charge of property damage greater than or equal to $5,000 was held in abeyance, meaning he pleaded guilty or no contest and after completing the conditions of the plea agreement the charge will be dismissed.
Dropped Charges
Other charges including criminal trespass, interfering with a peace officer and failure to stop at command of law enforcement were dropped with prejudice as part of the agreement.
Background on the Incidents
On Season 4 of “RHOSLC,” star Mary Cosby said her son had gotten married, and that he and his wife lived with her. Robert Cosby Jr. was arrested in the Salt Lake area on Sept. 5 on “a misdemeanor domestic violence matter,” involving his wife and released, according to court documents related to the arrest. He was arrested again two days later, accused of attempting to break into his father-in-law’s residence through the dog door and assaulting the man in the front yard, according to the criminal complaint filed in the case.
Violations of Protective Orders
Cosby Jr. was served in court with a pretrial protective order on Sept. 15, and with a protective order granted on Oct. 7, both barring him from directly or indirectly communicating with his wife, and ordering him to stay away from her residence, court documents said. Smokoff had reported to police that Cosby Jr. violated the protective orders saying that on Oct. 31 he requested to follow her on Instagram and on Nov. 2 had food dropped to her home, court documents said.
Further Incidents and Arrests
Then on Nov. 9, a Taylorsville police officer was dispatched to a domestic violence incident where Cosby Jr. was accused of kicking his mother-in-law’s vehicle, causing property damage, ignoring officer commands and biting one of the officers, according to a probable cause affidavit. During an interview with law enforcement, he admitted he was aware he was served with protective orders, but chose to go to the home anyway, the affidavit said. He was arrested that same day.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
In Cosby Jr.’s Nov. 25 notification of charges filing, he promised to pay full restitution to the victims. During that hearing, his attorney moved for pretrial release, but the court denied the motion, meaning Cosby Jr. will remain in jail until his sentencing on Feb. 3.
Attorney’s Statement
“Robert pled to several misdemeanor offenses and accepted responsibility for what happened,” Clayton Simms, Cosby Jr.’s attorney, told NBC News on Thursday. “In front of the court he acknowledged that there was a jail release agreement that he was prohibited from going to that address and he did that.” Simms said Cosby Jr. was "on a different timeline in terms of the end" of his relationship.
Personal Struggles and Support
Cosby Jr. opened up about his struggle with substance abuse in an episode of RHOSLC’s fifth season, which premiered last year. He also opened up about having thoughts of suicide. Mary Cosby said during the fifth season’s reunion that her son checked into a rehabilitation center for 30 days and was receiving help.
Conclusion
The case of Robert Cosby Jr. highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and substance abuse issues. It also underscores the need for support systems for individuals struggling with these issues. Cosby Jr.’s guilty plea and upcoming sentencing serve as a reminder of the consequences of violating protective orders and the importance of seeking help when needed.
FAQs
Q: What charges did Robert Cosby Jr. plead guilty to?
A: Cosby Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts of violation of a pretrial protective order and assault of a peace officer.
Q: What were the conditions of his plea agreement?
A: As part of the agreement, a charge of property damage greater than or equal to $5,000 was held in abeyance, and other charges including criminal trespass, interfering with a peace officer, and failure to stop at command of law enforcement were dropped with prejudice.
Q: When is Cosby Jr.’s sentencing scheduled?
A: His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 3.
Q: What support resources are available for individuals experiencing domestic violence or substance abuse issues?
A: Resources include the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 24/7 National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), and the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 or 800-273-8255).
