Gainesville Man Got 12 Days in Jail After Time Served & No Probation for Hospitalizing Woman
Update | April 17, 2026:
In July 2025, Algier Bess was convicted of felony battery by a repeat offender. Taking a no contest plea deal, Bess was sentenced to 12 days in jail after time served. Bess was not ordered probation.
Bess was arrested again in November 2025 for allegedly committing robbery and resisting police but prosecutors dropped the case.
Bess has multiple priors out of Madison County and Jefferson County. He's served five prison sentences in Florida, with his most recent release in February 2023.
On January 29, Algier Vanshawn Bess, 45, was arrested on a warrant for domestic battery and battery with a prior conviction.
Bess initially had more charges of aggravated battery and possession of a weapon as a convicted felon, but they were dropped.
On November 4, 2024, Bess and the victim got into an argument, leading to the victim going on a walk.
Bess reportedly tracked the victim down to a nearby playground and punched her twice in the face, causing severe swelling on her face and cheek area.
The victim and Bess went back to their shared residence. When the victim layed down, Bess reportedly started choking her to the point she couldn't breathe and felt she'd lose consciousness.
After letting go of her neck, Bess jammed his fingers in the victim's eye sockets, leaving dark bruising under her eyes. The victim was hospitalized for a broken jaw and orbital fracture, requiring surgery. Law enforcement was not immediately informed of this incident.
By November 7, 2024, the victim was back home. Around 7:00 a.m., Bess woke the victim up and demanded she make him breakfast. The victim stated she was too tired, and Bess bumped her shoulder to hurt her. Bess then grabbed the victim, threw her on the bed and started smashing glass objects around the house.
While Bess was beating the victim and destroying things, he reportedly threatened to kill her and her family. At this point, the victim began hitting Bess with a broom in self-defense.
The victim told her grandchildren to contact the police. One of the kids told police that Bess had a firearm in his waistband during the altercation.
Bess’ bond was set at $275,000, but roughly two weeks ago his public defender submitted a motion to reduce it.
The bond reduction motion stated that Bess “cannot post the present bond…. Provides financial support to three minor children…. Will reside with a friend in Gainesville…. [and] attends church in Gainesville.”
Judge David Kreider granted the motion and set Bess’ bond at $100,000.
