DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno heard arguments for a stabbing defendant’s brief release request on Oct. 22.
Rhonda Fleming, 58, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Oct. 2 on the 1500 block of Benning Rd, NE, which left one person injured.
Fleming appeared before Judge Salerno on Oct. 20 and requested release to attend to family matters. She had a bench warrant issued on Oct. 21 after she reported to the wrong courtroom – Judge Salerno quashed the warrant based on arguments from Fleming’s defense attorney, Howard McEachern.
Though Fleming was initially going to turn herself in, she asked to confer with McEachern before US Marshals escorted her to the jail. Judge Salerno permitted the conversation to take place outside the courtroom.
The case was recalled after Fleming requested an additional extension to allow her to complete paperwork for rental, food assistance and utility assistance with Preventive Measures, a community-based mental health program. She brought the documents to the court and presented them to Judge Salerno.
The prosecution opposed Fleming’s second release, citing her previous criminal record.
Judge Salerno noted these incidents were old and tied to mental health issues that have been addressed. He ultimately granted Fleming another release until Oct. 27, under the condition she completes orientation with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and returns without further issues.
The defendant also brought forth a potential witness who had not been previously questioned by police.
After speaking with both parties in private, Judge Salerno found the new witness issue “premature” given that the defense had only just met him and the prosecution would need sufficient time to respond to this matter.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 27.
