CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A Virginia man has been sentenced to over three decades in prison after a violent incident at a local hookah lounge where he attacked and sexually assaulted an employee. The sentencing concludes a case that has shocked the community of Chesapeake for its brutality.
Romon Millner, 32, faced a hefty sentence after being found guilty on multiple charges, including abduction with intent to defile, strangulation, robbery, forcible sodomy, rape, and object sexual penetration. The culmination of these convictions led to a court ruling that will see Millner behind bars for significant time.
The attack, which occurred on May 25, 2021, involved Millner robbing the lounge located on Eden Way before committing acts of violence against the lone female employee. According to prosecutors, after initially assaulting the woman inside the establishment, Millner then transported her to an outdoor location where he continued his violent assault.
Authorities who responded to the incident reported that the victim sustained severe injuries indicative of the reported assault. In his defense, Millner claimed during police interrogations that the encounters were consensual, a claim that was evidently dismissed by the court given the conviction.
During the sentencing, the judge imposed a 92-year prison term on Millner, but suspended 57 years and 2 months of it. Ultimately, Millner will serve 34 years and 10 months in prison. The court also granted a lifetime protective order protecting the victim, barring any form of contact between Millner and the victim or her family. In addition, the sentence requires Millner to register as a sex offender, marking him publicly for life.
The case has stirred discussions on the safety and security measures at local entertainment venues, particularly those that operate late at night and might have employees working alone. Community leaders and local law enforcement agencies are urging business owners to reassess their security protocols and employee safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Furthermore, the severity of the crimes and the subsequent legal outcomes highlight the legal system’s stance on violent sexual crimes, sending a clear message about the consequences of such actions. The community hopes that this case will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders and spark further dialogue on how to effectively protect vulnerable workers in various sectors.
The sentencing of Millner not only provides some measure of justice for the victim but also serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk in unsuspected places, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and the need for robust legal processes to handle such egregious offenses.
As the city of Chesapeake heals from this traumatic event, the focus shifts to preventing future crimes of this nature, ensuring that all community members can feel safe in their workplaces and broader environments. This case may well become a reference point in future discussions on crime and punishment in cases involving sexual assault and violence against workers.