Trial set in latest Mayweather legal problem

Boxer Floyd Mayweather will face a misdemeanor battery charge at a February trial, accused of repeatedly poking a Southern Highlands security officer in the face after a November confrontation over a parking citation.

The trial, set Wednesday for Feb. 3, will be heard by a Las Vegas Justice of the Peace. Misdemeanor battery is a probationable offense.

Mayweather, who did not appear in court Wednesday, was represented by attorney Karen Winckler.

Justice of the Peace Tony Abbatangelo signed a warrant for Mayweather's arrest and immediately quashed it and released the boxer on his own recognizance at the early morning hearing.

Abbatangelo denied prosecutor Brad Turner's request for $10,000 bail.

According to court documents, Mayweather was charged with the misdemeanor count for the Nov. 15 incident involving security guard Shayne Smith.

In a report, Las Vegas police said Smith noticed two vehicles, a grey Ford Explorer and a silver Mercedes 550, parked in violation of the Southern Highlands regulations. After placing parking violation stickers on the vehicles, Smith tried to drive on but found Mayweather standing in the road blocking the way.

"Smith alleges Mayweather was markedly agitated and screamed he had no (expletive) business touching his personal property," according to the police report.

Police described the boxer as being verbally abusive during the "tantrum" and jabbing his finger into Smith's cheek.

According to the report, investigators viewed photos that showed Smith had redness and discoloration on the left side of his face following the incident.

Mayweather refused to speak with officers who were called to the scene, according to the report.

The charge could lead another justice of the peace to revoke Mayweather's bail on pending felony charges stemming from a Sept. 9 domestic violence incident involving his three children and their mother, Josie Harris.

Mayweather, who is facing several felony charges, including felony coercion, grand larceny, and robbery, is free on $31,000 bail in that case.

Since bail was set in that case, police have conducted two separate investigations into accusations made against Mayweather, including Smith's.

Last month, a former employee of the boxer accused Mayweather of assault with a deadly weapon. Quincey Williams said Mayweather tried to force his vehicle off Arville Road, near Spring Mountain Road, according to a police report.

There were no other witnesses, and the incident remains under investigation.

Williams also was the victim of an August 2009 shooting at a roller skating rink that investigators said involved an associate of the boxer. Ocie Harris awaits trial for two felonies, attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting.

Meanwhile, Mayweather awaits a January preliminary hearing in justice court for the Sept. 9 domestic violence incident.

Josie Harris has accused Mayweather of domestic violence in the past, only to recant her story or stop cooperating with police.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.