Two women accused of aggravated battery after a third woman suffered a broken eye socket and nerve damage pleaded guilty to a reduced, misdemeanor charge Wednesday, March 2.
Hollie Carter, 23, and Jordie Holt, 24, were accused of attacking another woman for allegedly speaking to Carter’s ex-boyfriend at a nightclub. The talk, speculation rumors and judgments about the incident went viral on social media.
The violence inflicted on the victim occurred after closing time for nightclubs on Broad Street. Those inside The Scene spilled out behind the club on Jones Street. Everyone had been drinking, and the witnesses’ statements conflicted over what occurred on Aug. 3, 2019, but the victim was struck in the face and suffered serious injuries, Assistant District Attorney Kevin Davis said. The one sober witness at the scene said Holt punched the victim.
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However, another witness told sheriff’s investigators that an unknown Black man attacked the victim, kicking her in the face. The victim as well as Holt and Carter are White. Everyone seemed to weigh in with opinions and rumors on social media, Davis said.
The victim, who chose not to attend Wednesday’s sentencing hearing in Richmond County Superior Court, told the prosecutor she didn’t want Holt or Carter to go to prison or jail. She wasn’t even asking for restitution for the medical treatment she needed, Davis said. She just wants to move on with her life.
Defense attorney Michelle Harrison told the judge that neither Holt nor Carter ever said anything about some unknown Black man being involved in what happened. They were adamant from the beginning that that wasn’t true, Harrison said. Holt took responsibility for what she did. She thought she was protecting her friend, Carter. Both defendants were jailed for 10 days before they were granted bond.
Defense attorney Keith Johnson told the judge that Carter has matured since this incident and was sorry for the victim’s injuries.
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The victim’s mother told the judge that she appreciated the apology, the first she’s heard, and it gives her faith that her daughter’s decision to express compassion for Carter and Holt was right.
The victim was also bullied on social media, reduced to tears over the viral comments. She did nothing wrong either the night she was hurt or afterward, the mother said. And there should be no doubt that her daughter was seriously injured. She has two metal plates in her face now and still has vision deficits. But her daughter only wanted Holt and Carter to understand that this should never happen again.
Judge Ashley Wright accepted the negotiated plea and sentenced Holt and Carter each to one year probation for disorderly conduct. While on probation they must do 100 hours of community service, maintain a curfew and stay off social media sites.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
