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Name:
Vereen, Malik Lukal
Date of Booking:
04/08/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – 2ND DEGREE
THEFT BY TAKING – MISDEMEANOR
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On April 8th, 2025, at approximately 0117 hours. I responded to a family fight at [200 BLOCK] Victoria Blvd in Newton County, Georgia.
I observed Mr. Vereen pacing on the porch. I made contact with Mr. Vereen. Mr. Vereen’s behavior appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Mr. Vereen was yelling, slamming chairs, and using profanity towards deputies. I made contact with Mr. Vereen’s mother and older brother. They just wanted Mr. Vereen to calm down and to go in the residence. Mr. Vereen’s mother stated Mr. Vereen does not act like this, and he appears to be under the influence. Mr. Vereen stated he will calm down and go inside.
As I walk back towards my patrol car. We heard a scream from Mr. Vereen’s mother, and the door closed. Deputies ran back to the residence and got Mr. Vereen off of his older brother. Deputies detained Mr. Vereen due to Mr. Vereen’s aggressive behavior. I observed a white GMC vehicle with damage to the front passenger window. Mr. Vereen stated that the GMC vehicle was his girlfriend’s vehicle. When asked about the whereabouts of his girlfriend, Mr. Vereen refused to give more information. I observed a driver’s door handle was on the floor, and both right-side tires appeared to be flat due to slash marks on both tires.
I ran the vehicle tag to get additional information from the owner of the vehicle. Ms. [VICTIM #1] answered the phone and stated she gave her daughter ([VICTIM #2]) permission to use her vehicle. I informed Ms. [VICTIM #1] about the damages to her vehicle. Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated there should be only front-end damage from a deer accident. Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated the damage to the passenger window, driver-side door handle, and two flat tires are new damages.
Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated she has been trying to contact her daughter, and she has not answered her phone. Ms. [VICTIM #1] was extremely concerned for her daughter’s safety. Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated she got many missed calls from Mr. [WITNESS #1]’s phone. Ms. [VICTIM #1] gave me the phone number of Mr. [WITNESS #1]. Deputy Thain got in contact with Mr. [WITNESS #1]. Mr. [WITNESS #1] stated there was a young female (Ms. [VICTIM #2]) that came to his residence asking for help. Mr. [WITNESS #1] gave us his location to contact Ms. [VICTIM #2].
I made contact with Mr. [WITNESS #1]. Mr. [WITNESS #1] stated he was finishing painting his kitchen when he heard a knock at his door. Mr. [WITNESS #1] stated Ms. [VICTIM #2] was asking to use Mr. [WITNESS #1]’s phone to contact her mother. Mr. [WITNESS #1] stated the mother did not answer the phone, and he called 911.
I made contact with Ms. [VICTIM #2]. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated she was driving Mr. Vereen back to his residence. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated Mr. Vereen got upset due to not wanting to be dropped off at his residence. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated when they arrived, Mr. Vereen took her car keys from the car and got out. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated when Mr. Vereen tried to get back in the car, Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated she locked the car door. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated Mr. Vereen punched the window multiple times and shattered the passenger window.
Ms. [VICTIM #2] opened the door, and Mr. Vereen got back in the vehicle. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated Mr. Vereen choked Ms. [VICTIM #2] with both hands. Ms. [VICTIM #2] attempted to fight Mr. Vereen off of her. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated Mr. Vereen hit her in the face. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated Mr. Vereen took her iPhone from Ms. [VICTIM #2]’s hands and left the vehicle. Ms. [VICTIM #2] ran out of the vehicle and ran into Mr. Vereen’s residence to get away from Mr. Vereen. Ms. [VICTIM #2] stated she ran out of the Mr. Vereen residence to get help.
I was able to find the car keys to the vehicle. The car keys were in the passenger floorboard. I was unable to find Ms. [VICTIM #2] IPhone.
I told Deputy Thain and Deputy Moore to arrest Mr. Vereen. I have obtained warrants for O.C.G.A. 16-5-21 Aggravated Assault for the strangulation, O.C.G.A. 16-8-23 Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree for the damage to the vehicle, and O.C.G.A. 16-8-2 Theft by Taking by taking Ms. [VICTIM #2].
Deputy Thain and Deputy Moore transported Mr. Vereen to the Newton County Jail.
I took pictures of Ms. [VICTIM #2]’s injuries and damages to the vehicle on Axon Capture. I gave Ms. [VICTIM #2] a case number and explained the civil process.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
4/11/25
MALIK LUKAL VEREEN MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE IN NEWTON SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: Malik Lukal Vereen appeared before the court on April 11, 2025, for his first appearance following his arrest. At a first appearance, the defendant is informed of the charges, advised of his rights, and the court determines whether probable cause exists to hold him and what conditions of release (if any) will apply. This is typically one of the earliest steps in a criminal case.
4/16/25
BOND HEARING AND BOND SHEET ISSUED FOR MALIK LUKAL VEREEN
What this means: On April 16, 2025, a bond hearing was held in Newton Superior Court to determine the conditions under which Malik Lukal Vereen could be released from custody pending trial. The court issued a bond sheet setting forth those conditions. A bond hearing allows the defendant and the prosecution to present arguments about whether the defendant poses a flight risk or a danger to the community, and what amount of bond (if any) is appropriate.
4/16/25
DEFENSE COUNSEL BRYSON LAX ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR MALIK LUKAL VEREEN
What this means: On April 16, 2025, attorney Bryson Lax filed a notice of appearance in Newton Superior Court, formally entering as defense counsel for Malik Lukal Vereen in Case No. 2025CR816-2. This means Bryson Lax is now the attorney of record representing the defendant in this case.
9/5/25
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 4 COUNTS FILED AGAINST MALIK LUKAL VEREEN
What this means: A Newton County grand jury formally indicted Malik Lukal Vereen on four charges stemming from an incident on April 8, 2025. The indictment was filed in open court on September 5, 2025, in Newton Superior Court (Case No. 2025CR816-2, July Term 2025), with District Attorney Randy McGinley and prosecutor Amanda Gwin representing the State.
Count 1 accuses Malik Lukal Vereen of Aggravated Assault, alleging he knowingly assaulted a victim by using his hands as a weapon — specifically by choking her — in a manner likely to result in strangulation, in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21.
Count 2 accuses Malik Lukal Vereen of Criminal Trespass, alleging he intentionally damaged a motor vehicle belonging to a vehicle owner without her consent by slashing the tires and damaging the door handle, causing less than $500.00 in damage, in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21(a).
Count 3 accuses Malik Lukal Vereen of Theft by Taking, alleging he unlawfully took a phone valued at $1,500.00 or less belonging to a victim with the intent to deprive her of it, in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2.
Count 4 accuses Malik Lukal Vereen of Battery, alleging he intentionally caused visible bodily harm — specifically a busted lip — to a victim by striking her, in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1.
A grand jury indictment means a panel of citizens reviewed the State’s evidence and found enough probable cause to formally charge the defendant. It does not mean Malik Lukal Vereen has been found guilty of anything — he is presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise.
11/21/25
PRETRIAL ORDER ISSUED IN MALIK LUKAL VEREEN CASE
What this means: On November 21, 2025, the court issued a pretrial order in Newton Superior Court governing the procedures and deadlines leading up to trial in Malik Lukal Vereen’s case. A pretrial order typically sets discovery deadlines, motion filing deadlines, and other procedural requirements that both the prosecution and defense must follow.
11/21/25
MALIK LUKAL VEREEN WAIVES ARRAIGNMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGES PRETRIAL ORDER
What this means: On November 21, 2025, Malik Lukal Vereen signed a waiver of arraignment and an acknowledgement of the pretrial order. By waiving arraignment, the defendant agreed to skip the formal reading of charges in open court and proceed directly to the next phase of the case. By acknowledging the pretrial order, he confirmed receipt of and understanding of the court’s procedural rules and deadlines.
1/2/26
BRADY MOTION FILED IN MALIK LUKAL VEREEN CASE
What this means: On January 2, 2026, a Brady motion was filed in Newton Superior Court in Malik Lukal Vereen’s case. A Brady motion is a request asking the prosecution to disclose evidence that is favorable to the defendant — such as evidence of the defendant’s innocence, evidence that could reduce his culpability, or evidence that could be used to impeach (challenge the credibility of) a prosecution witness. The motion is named after a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case requiring prosecutors to turn over such evidence. The filing of this motion indicates the defense was seeking disclosure of potentially exculpatory or impeaching evidence from the State.
8/4/26
MALIK LUKAL VEREEN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS AND 36 MONTHS — 1 YEAR TO SERVE IN PRISON
What this means: Judge G. Kevin Morris of the Alcovy Judicial Circuit sentenced Malik Lukal Vereen on August 4, 2026, in Newton Superior Court on Case No. 2025CR816-2. The sentence was entered on non-negotiated guilty pleas across all four counts. The First Offender checkboxes on the sentencing form are not checked, so this is a standard felony conviction with probation.
Count 1 — Aggravated Assault: 10 years, with 1 year to be served in confinement and the remainder on probation. A $1,000.00 fine was imposed.
Count 2 — Criminal Trespass: 12 months on probation, consecutive to Count 1. No fine.
Count 3 — Theft by Taking: 12 months on probation, consecutive to Count 2. No fine.
Count 4 — Battery: 12 months on probation, consecutive to Count 3. A $500.00 fine was imposed.
The total sentence is 10 years and 36 months. Malik Lukal Vereen must serve 1 year in the Georgia State Prison System, after which the remainder of the sentence is to be served on probation. He will receive credit for any time already served in custody, as determined by the custodian.
As special conditions of probation, the court ordered Malik Lukal Vereen to pay restitution of $475.00 to one victim and $676.00 to another victim through the Probation Office. He is also sentenced under the Probation Management Act Sentencing Options System with a sanction cap of a Probation Detention Center or Regional Substance Abuse Treatment Facility. He is ordered to have no contact of any kind — in person, by phone, mail, or otherwise — with either victim, and must stay 500 yards away from their residences, employment, schools, and immediate family members. He must complete substance abuse and anger management evaluation and treatment at a State- or Court-approved provider at his own expense. He must also provide verification of a high school diploma, GED, or vocational training certificate, or attend classes and work toward obtaining one during the probation period.
Additional financial obligations include a community supervision fee, a $50.00 Public Defender Application Fee, and a Crime Lab Fee, all as required by law.