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By
Mariam Kamate [former]
- April 12, 2023
Court
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Daily Stories
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Sex Abuse
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Sexual Assault
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A sexual assault defendant was denied release in a DC Superior Court hearing on April 11.
The 29-year-old defendant was charged with second-degree attempted child sex abuse in an incident involving two girls, one 10 years old and the other 11. The pair was on the way to school.
In court, defense attorney Joseph D. Edward said the defendant is homeless and lives in a shelter in Maryland. He requested a release of his client to Judge Anthony Epstein. Edward explained that the defendant will have “every incentive to show up to court” given his circumstances.
“They have the right to feel safe on a bus, but anywhere they go,” Judge Epstein said referring to the two girls. According to court documents, the incident occurred on April 6, 2023, on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, when the defendant verbally harassed two minors on a Metrobus.
A school official saw the suspect exit the Metrobus and chase after the two minors near their school, according to court documents. He allegedly grabbed one of the victims by her jean loop attempting to pull her pants down. The victim kicked the defendant and both complainants fled.
The suspect was apprehended by responding officers. No injuries were reported.
The defendant is being held in DC Jail where he will remain until a felony status conference hearing.
Judge Epstein denied the defense request for release.
Both parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 21.