Introduction
In a shocking turn of events, Alexander “Nico” Fanjul, the son of sugar baron Alexander Fanjul, was arrested for domestic violence, including allegations of strangulation and robbery, in Palm Beach, Florida. This incident has sent shockwaves through the Palm Beach social set, as the Fanjul family is well-known for their business empire, Florida Crystals and Fanjul Corp. In this article, we will delve into the details of the arrest, the alleged events leading up to it, and the previous incidents involving Fanjul.
The Arrest and Allegations
On Monday night, Palm Beach police responded to a distress call from a neighbor who heard a woman screaming in Fanjul’s residence. When the officer arrived, they found Fanjul standing over the woman in a defensive position, with her face bleeding. The woman claimed that she had been physically assaulted by Fanjul and feared for her life.
According to the police report, the altercation began after the couple had dinner at a high-end restaurant in Palm Beach. Fanjul became increasingly agitated and irate when they were seated near a homosexual couple. This frustration allegedly continued to escalate throughout the evening.
Outside their home, the woman pleaded with Fanjul to drop the subject, but he responded with violent punches to her face, causing bruising, bleeding, and swelling. He then proceeded to knee her in the face repeatedly. In a desperate attempt to get help, the woman threatened to call for assistance, prompting Fanjul to rip her purse from her shoulder and smash her hand and phone on the ground.
To prevent her from seeking aid or escaping, Fanjul forcibly dragged her back into the residence. Once inside, he allegedly strangled her, leaving visible redness and bruising on her neck. The police determined Fanjul to be the primary aggressor and arrested him on charges of Felony Domestic Battery for Strangulation, False Imprisonment, Robbery, Tampering with or Harassing Victim, Criminal Mischief, and possession of cocaine.
The Fanjul Family Empire
The Fanjul family is known for their vast business empire, which includes Florida Crystals and Fanjul Corp. Florida Crystals is a leading sugar producer in the United States and the Dominican Republic, while Fanjul Corp is a prominent real estate conglomerate. With a reported net worth in the billions, the Fanjul family holds significant power and influence in the industry.
Previous Incidents and Allegations
This is not the first time Alexander “Nico” Fanjul has faced allegations of domestic violence. In the past, he has been arrested multiple times over incidents involving socialite Tinsley Mortimer. In 2013, Mortimer was hospitalized for a head injury, and police reports from June 2014 revealed further altercations between the couple, including incidents where Fanjul allegedly smothered Mortimer with a pillow and pushed her head to the pavement.
There have also been instances where the police were called for domestic violence at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on Mortimer’s birthday in 2014. However, she did not press charges. In 2016, Mortimer herself was arrested for trespassing on Fanjul’s property.
Mortimer has spoken publicly about her experience, stating that she had moments of feeling like she wasn’t going to make it. She described being caught in a cycle of abuse and expressed gratitude that the cycle was broken when she was arrested. Fanjul’s family denied the allegations at the time.
Legal Proceedings and Denial of Charges
Fanjul’s lawyer has vehemently denied the charges brought against him. The defense maintains that the allegations made by the unidentified woman are false. However, given the evidence presented in the police report and the injuries sustained by the woman, the case will likely proceed to trial.
