Former KC Mayor Sly James spokesman charged with assault in domestic violence case

The former spokesman for Sly James was charged with domestic violence assault on Thursday and accused of head-butting a victim in the nose the night before.

James Roberts, 32, appeared on the assault charge in Kansas City Municipal Court on Thursday and Friday morning. By Friday evening, the Kansas City mayor’s office unexpectedly announced that he was no longer an employee.

“It is a domestic violence case,” said Benita Jones, Municipal Court spokeswoman, on Saturday.

Roberts is accused of intentionally inflicting injury on his victim by head-butting her in the nose, causing pain and swelling, according to the Municipal Court citation.

The alleged assault occurred at 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday at Robert’s home in the 300 block of Ord Street in Kansas City.

The next evening he was released from the Jackson County Detention Center, court and jail records showed.

Roberts had been James’ director of communications. Joni Wickham, chief of staff for James, said she could not comment on a personnel issue.

Wickham released a statement late Friday indicating that Roberts was no longer a city employee, but said James’ office would release no further details.

Attempts to reach Roberts on Friday and Saturday were not successful.

Roberts started working in the mayor’s office in November 2016. Prior to working at City Hall, Roberts worked for Dover Strategy Group and had previously worked on former Kansas House Rep. Paul Davis’ 2014 unsuccessful run to unseat Gov. Sam Brownback.

Roberts’ next court appearance is Dec. 13.

This story was originally published October 28, 2017 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Former KC Mayor Sly James spokesman charged with assault in domestic violence case."