DC Jail Is Denying Adequate Treatment, Diabetic Defendant Says

By Aerial Lopez [former] - April 19, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

Defense Attorney Andrew Clarke said he visited his diabetic client at the DC Jail and saw he “wasn’t himself.” 

Dont’e Casson, 27, is charged with one count of carrying a pistol without a license, one count of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Casson allegedly fired his weapon and threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend on March 12 on the 1800 block of Good Hope Road, SE. 

On April 18, Clarke informed DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan that his client is diabetic and is not receiving the treatment he needs in DC Jail. Judge Raffinan asked Casson whether he was allowed to test his blood-sugar levels while incarcerated. 

Casson said that while he could test his blood sugar, medical staff said they are only allowed to administer two shots of insulin a day. Casson says his blood sugar has been low and he requires three.

Judge Raffinan reaffirmed that she is “a lawyer, not a doctor and cannot tell them how to administer treatment.” However, she assured Casson that she will raise his concerns to the jail and issue a medical alert. 

In addition, Casson rejected the prosecution’s plea offer from March 30 and requested a trial date. Judge Raffinan scheduled the jury trial for July 24. 

Parties are scheduled to return to court for a status hearing on May 23.