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By
Aerial Lopez [former]
- February 2, 2023
Court
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Daily Stories
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Sex Abuse
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Sexual Assault
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On Feb. 1, a defendant in a sexual assault case waived his right to a formal reading of his charges, thus forfeiting his preliminary hearing.
The defendant, a home health aid, was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting his patient on Nov. 17 2022. The victim is an elderly woman who suffers from dementia and requires 24-hour care.
Later that night, the assault was witnessed over video footage collected by the patient’s daughter. The daughter was reviewing film on the home camera to find proof of her mother falling the night of the Nov. 16, but rather, found evidence of the assault.
At the start of the hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony C. Epstein brought attention to the fact that the defendant’s attorney, Peter Odom, was supposed to step away from the case.
It was previously determined in a status hearing that Odom would be stepping down from the case and another attorney would take the role as case lead. However, due to the defendant’s financial situation he was unable to secure said attorney as counsel.
Also, Odom said the defendant requires an interpreter for all his legal interactions –– something he has experience with. Because of his familiarity with the issue, Odom said he would take the case pro-bono.
It is unknown if the alternative attorney will join the case periodically as co-counsel.
After the defendant and his legal team waived their right to a preliminary hearing the prosecution said they will extend a plea offer in the upcoming weeks.
The date of the next hearing has yet to be determined.