Judge Holds One Defendant During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 30, 2020
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

During initial hearings on Nov. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna released 17 defendants and held one at the DC Jail.

Dennis Morton is a fugitive from the state of Virginia, where he is wanted for contempt. Morton requested to be released so that he could be with his family, but Judge McKenna decided to hold him. Morton was also arrested for a felony matter with a charge for attempting to distribute amphetamine, but was released on that issue. He will be held in DC Jail for up to three business days in order for Virginia officials to pick him up. 

Two defendants were charged in domestic violence cases with underlying misdemeanor charges of simple assault, release violation, attempted threats and assault on a police officer. Both were released with stay-away orders. 

Five defendants with misdemeanor charges were also released. The charges include contempt, theft, assault on a police officer, traffic violations, simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia. Three were released with stay-away orders, two were released with a GPS monitoring requirement and one was ordered not to drive. 

Six defendants were released in fugitive matters and one defendant’s case was dismissed. Underlying charges included simple assault, contempt and larceny in either Virginia or Maryland. Defendants were released with instructions to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions as soon as possible. 

Three defendants were released in felony matters. Underlying charges included attempt to distribute a controlled substance and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. One was released with a stay-away order.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.