Judge Releases All But One Defendant During Initial Hearings

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On Aug. 17, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 31 defendants and held one defendant in DC Jail.

Armando Rodriguez was charged with two cases, one for unlawful entry of private property and one for destruction of property less than $1,000. Judge Crowell released Rodriguez on his two new cases, but he was held on a separate parole matter.

Of those released, three did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution.

13 defendants charged with domestic violence-related cases were heard by Judge Crowell. He released all of them, including a defendant who has tested positive for COVID-19. Judge Crowell was going to put him on GPS monitoring, but due to his status, he was released with a stay-away from the alleged victim only.

Seven misdemeanor cases were presented before Judge Crowell, with most of them involving simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm or unlawful entry. All were released and most were given stay-away orders.

There were five felony cases involving contempt, carrying a pistol without a license, robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders and one defendant was put on home confinement with GPS monitoring.

Judge Crowell released a defendant charged with a traffic offense and a defendant charged with possession of an unregistered firearm through the District Court.

One defendant was brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear and was released by Judge Crowell with a new court date.

Two defendants were still hospitalized, so their hearings were moved to Aug. 18. One was charged with assault on a police officer and has been in the hospital since Aug. 12. The other is charged with second-degree theft and has been in the hospital since July 20.

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