Ex-Glenholme student faces multiple charges

A 17-year-old, former Devereux Glenholme School student, arrested as a juvenile, will be prosecuted as an adult on assault, strangulation and robbery charges, according to the state's judicial website.

The accused, Robert Messina-Toombs, 17, appeared Tuesday before Judge James P. Ginocchio at Litchfield Superior Court. He is being held on $500,000 bond with his next court date set March 9.

Details about the state's case against Mr. Messina-Toombs have not been made public. The reasons for moving Mr. Messina-Toombs to the adult docket have not been released.

Mr. Messina-Toombs is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault and first-degree strangulation stemming from an alleged offense date of June 21, 2011 at Devereux Glenholme School.

Patrick Queenan, clinical director at the school, said in a prepared statement that privacy laws prevent him from providing details of the situation leading to Mr. Messina-Toombs arrest.

He added "this behavior is not typical for our students."

"We have taken this incident very seriously and been in full partnership with local police throughout the investigation" Mr. Queenan's statement continued. "Our focus is always on providing the most exceptional educational and living environment for our students, and a safe and rewarding work environment for our staff."

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