A stabbing defendant requested in patient substance abuse treatment before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 8.
John Scogins, 54, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Dec. 9, 2024 at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. One individual was injured.
Scogins’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, admitted that Scogins had previously tested positive for cocaine but was no longer using substances. Thomas and Scogins requested at the next drug testing that they measure the levels of substances present to show the levels have now lowered.
Thomas informed the court that Scogins’ living situation was stable but not ideal for a sober lifestyle. A representative from the Pre-Trial Services Agency (PSA) said that they would help him locate a better living situation as well as in-patient treatment for substance abuse before his next hearing.
The prosecution told the court that the multiple positive drug tests were very alarming as the stabbing incident occurred while Scogins was intoxicated. Judge Brandt acknowledged Scogins’ ongoing issues with substances, but recognized that he had not been arrested on new charges.
Judge Brandt accepted the parties’ request to admit Scogins into in-patient treatment prior to his next hearing. Scogins remains on personal recognizance with electronic monitoring while awaiting trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 22.
