Detective Testifies That DNA Evidence is Sufficient For Probable Cause in Sex Abuse Case

By Hunter Fernandez [former] , Jenna Ferrick [former] - February 16, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault | Suspects |

In a preliminary hearing on Feb. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause in a sexual abuse case. 

The 47-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree sex abuse in connection with four different accounts of rape. 

Judge Demeo found probable cause for all four incidents based on the victim’s statements, reports, and DNA evidence. She also noted that the victim’s coworker’s hesitation to confirm the victim’s statements could indicate the coworker’s refusal to cooperate with the police. 

During Monday’s hearing, the prosecution said the defendant’s DNA was found on a pair of underwear and a paper towel the victim had given to the police from a previous incident. The forensic report found traces of semen.

The prosecution questioned a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective about the details of the case as well as the relationship between the victim and the defendant, which she said did not extend beyond the workplace. 

While questioning the detective, the defense made it clear that the victim had not reported the assaults until much later than the first incident. The defense also said that despite the victim’s report of informing a coworker, the coworker denied ever having been informed about the incidents. 

Additionally, defense attorney Rachel McCoy requested that Judge Demeo not find probable cause due to errors found in the police report regarding the dates of the incidents as well as lack of corroboration and credibility with another witness who did not testify. 

McCoy said there was confusion regarding the complainant’s employment history with the cleaning company, stating that this lack of evidence diminishes probable cause. 

Both the defense and prosecution requested that the defendant remains on release under the current conditions of the high-intensity supervision program (HISP), which Judge Demeo granted.

The prosecutor also stated, for the record, that there was a plea offer extended to the defendant, but he rejected it. 

Judge Demeo scheduled the next hearing for May 12 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Brandt.