Stripper At Webster Bar Pleads Guilty To Attacking Colleague

WORCESTER — A stripper accused of attacking a fellow dancer at Mario's Showplace in Webster, opening a large gash in the victim's face, is scheduled to be sentenced March 2 after pleading guilty today.

Authorities said Vanessa Velez, 21, of 113 Orchard Hill Drive, Oxford, started a fight with Akyla Correa, another dancer, about 9 p.m. Oct. 22, 2010, in the dressing room of the club on Thompson Road, Webster.

Assistant District Attorney Gregory Benoit said Ms. Velez was wearing a large ring on her hand when she struck Ms. Correa in the face, causing a cut “from eye to mouth” that required about 200 stitches to close.

Police said Ms. Correa later told them that Ms. Velez had accused her of sleeping with Ms. Velez's boyfriend, which the victim denied.

Ms. Velez pleaded guilty today in Worcester Superior Court to aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and mayhem.

At Mr. Benoit's request, Judge Janet Kenton-Walker postponed sentencing until March 2 to give Ms. Correa a chance to make an impact statement in court before Ms. Velez is sentenced.
Mr. Benoit is recommending a prison sentence of 2 to 3 years with 5 years of probation to follow. The prosecutor is asking that Ms. Velez be ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution and stay away from Ms. Correa as conditions of probation.

Ms. Velez's lawyer, Michael G. Cashman, is recommending that his client be placed on probation for 3 years with the same conditions proposed by Mr. Benoit.

Ms. Velez was released on previously posted bail of $500 cash.

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