Swampscott man found guilty in nose-biting attack

BOSTON – A Swampscott man and retired Essex County Sheriff’s Department corrections officer was found guilty Monday of attacking his former business partner and biting off a part of the man’s nose following a May 2012 meeting at a Revere Beach restaurant.”Testimony established that (the defendant) punched the victim repeatedly in the face and strangled him until he could be heard gasping for air by a witness,” read a statement from Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley’s office. “(The defendant) then bit off the tip of the victim’s nose before the man was able to escape into the restaurant, where he collapsed.”Kenneth Michaud, 41, of Swampscott, was convicted by a Suffolk Superior Court Jury of mayhem and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury. Jurors acquitted Michaud of a charge of assault with intent to murder, according to the press release.Michaud and the victim, identified as a 43-year-old Revere man, were partners in an auto-sales venture and met at Renzo’s restaurant and bar on May 2, 2012 to discuss dissolving the business, according to the press release. The men began arguing and left the restaurant shortly before 11 p.m. Once outside, Michaud wrapped his arm around the victim’s neck, dragged him behind the restaurant and attacked him.The victim was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with injuries including head contusions resulting in blurred vision, migraines and dizziness. He underwent two surgeries to reattach the tip of his nose.Defense Attorney Gary Zerola said Michaud, a 20-year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, “is understandably disappointed by the outcome of the trial.” But Zerola said Michaud “has led an exemplary life, and has been and continues to be an honorable man.”Zerola said he “respects the jury’s verdict but respectfully disagrees with it” and is in the process of preparing the matter for appeal.”I continue to fight for the rights of Mr. Michaud,” Zerola said.Michaud returns to court early next week to be sentenced.