VINNIE VINCENT: 'All Charges Alleged Against Me Were Dropped And The Case Was Dismissed'

June 23, 2011

Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent (real name Vincent John Cusano) has apparently released a new statement via the description section accompanying a video on the YouTube channel for a user with the username "vinnievincentguitar1" (which appears to be connected to Vincent since the channel's lone video promotes the Vinnie Vincent model guitar).

As Nashville Scene reported yesterday, the domestic-abuse case against Vincent has been temporarily "retired." It appears that Vincent has struck a deal with the state of Tennessee, temporarily retiring the case for a year, eventually giving the guitarist an opportunity to "petition the Court to dismiss [the] case and expunge the pertinent records as provided by law," in exchange for undergoing eight hours of anger-management therapy.

Commented Vincent: "I thank you for helping me face my darkest struggle. You were there during my loneliest time when I was hopelessly lost with no direction. You were there to help me keep the last of my faith from breaking. Your message of love became the moments that I will always remember.

"I am happy to announce that all charges alleged against me were dropped and the case dismissed. Unfortunately, and very sadly, I was falsely charged. I am also happy to announce the Doublev.forumco.com is reopen.

"To all of the 'truly genuine' friends and fans who sent me their heartfelt messages of support and love during my hurting time, I will answer each of you. I ask that you give me some time.

"I will see u all on the board.

"I send my love to each and all of you, wherever you are in the world and to all of you who have suffered from the earthquake in Japan and Haiti, I am with you in love and spirit."

Vincent was scheduled to appear in Rutherford County Criminal Court today to answer aggravated domestic assault charges stemming from a May 21, 2011 incident when his wife Diane accused him of hitting her in the face, throwing her to the ground, and dragging her through broken glass following an argument.

Vincent replaced lead guitarist Ace Frehley in 1982 and played with KISS for two years. He left the group on bad terms, and later claimed KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley owed him royalties for his work on KISS' 1983 album "Lick It Up", according to the Courthouse News Service. However, a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled against him and awarded the KISS defendants about $66,400 in attorney's fees and $15,400 in costs.

Last June, Vincent lost his 6th Circuit appeal of an order barring him from seeking bankruptcy protection from paying more than $81,000 to his former bandmates.

In January, Vincent, in association with Guitarmageddon Guitars, unveiled the official Vinnie Vincent model guitar at the NAMM convention.

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