Patrick Rosemond rejects plea deal in Cincinnati brawl trial

The trial for Patrick Rosemond, 39, concluded its first full day of testimony on Wednesday in Hamilton County.

Rosemond faces two counts of aggravated riot, three counts of assault, and three counts of felonious assault. He is the final defendant to stand trial in connection with the July 2025 downtown Cincinnati brawl. Court records show that five other defendants have already pleaded guilty, while a sixth was ruled incompetent to stand trial.

Alex Tchervinski, 46, took the stand to describe his role in the incident. Tchervinski, who was previously charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, saw his case dismissed on March 31 by Municipal Judge Donte Johnson after witnesses failed to appear for the third time. Tchervinski told the court he was attempting to defend an older friend, Greg Nickel, when the violence began.

"I went to the group of guys and tried to stand up for my older friend, 'cause I don't think it's right," Tchervinski said. He described standing on a street corner when he was struck on the back of the head. He said he was hit multiple times and that people circled around him. When Assistant Prosecutor Kip Guinan asked if Tchervinski had used angry words, Tchervinski replied, "Absolutely not."

Defense attorney Marcus Coleman asked if people said racist things to or about Tchervinski. Tchervinski confirmed they did. Coleman asked if Tchervinski said anything back. "No," Tchervinski said.

Before the jury arrived, Rosemond considered a last-minute plea agreement. The deal would have required him to plead guilty to two counts of felonious assault and one count of fourth-degree aggravated assault. Judge Virginia Tallent indicated she would have the final say on the sentence. Prosecutor Guinan noted that the victims and their legal representatives agreed to the terms.

"Okay, well, I'm going to go to trial then," Rosemond said. He refused the deal, and proceedings resumed. The trial is scheduled to continue at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.