Former Nunavut artist pleads guilty to assault, mischief charges

A former Nunavut artist has pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and one count of mischief, following incidents that took place in 2020.

Jonathan Cruz, 40, currently lives in Ottawa’s west end. He and his lawyer, David Anber, appeared virtually in a Gatineau, Que., courthouse to accept Cruz’s plea and sentence.

The assault and mischief charges stem from incidents between Cruz and a former partner in May and June 2020, in both Ottawa and Gatineau.

In one incident, Cruz spat orange juice in the victim’s face during an argument, according to the agreed statement of facts. In another, he grabbed her hair and slammed her head into the dashboard of a vehicle. He also flipped over a kitchen table in an argument, while the victim hid in another room out of fear.

Cruz was also facing charges of assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm, as well as other assault and mischief charges. Those charges have been conditionally stayed by the Crown.

Cruz is currently employed as a creative director in Ottawa. His work has been featured on the driveway leading to the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit, in community centres in Igloolik and Puvirnituq and on the youth centre in Kuujjuaq.

He was acquitted of another series of assault charges against a former partner in Iqaluit in 2016.

Before the sentence was handed down, Anber told the court that Cruz has been taking his situation seriously, and that he had been attending therapy for anger management and domestic violence.

Justice Rosemarie Millar sentenced Cruz to a three-year suspended sentence and probation. For the first two years, he must report to a probation officer and to the court as required. He is prohibited from owning any weapons or firearms, not allowed to make contact with the victim, and he must inform the court of name, address or employment changes.

Cruz is also required to complete 100 hours of community service within the next 12 months.

In an emailed response, Anber said he feels the sentence is “appropriate” as it allows Cruz to rehabilitate and “start the process of moving past this short period in his life.”

“The probation conditions will allow Mr. Cruz to give back to the community (something which the judge was aware he was always doing) which is an important part of sentencing and also keeps him and the complainant apart,” Anber said.