DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel bluntly warned a stabbing probationer to get mandatory drug treatment or “shake, rattle and roll” on the jail floor. Doctors have used the phrase to indicate the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Lenare Leath, 22, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to assault with intent to commit robbery. He was originally charged with that crime as well as a stabbing that occurred on May 2, 2025 on the 1200 block of W Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
In August, Leath was sentenced to 36 months with all time suspended under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which allows judges some discretion in sentencing and seals information about the defendant’s record when completed successfully.
In addition, Leath was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and two years on probation under the condition of regular drug testing supervised by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).
During the proceeding, a CSOSA representative alerted Judge Israel that Leath had tested positive for fentanyl as an outpatient and was having trouble abstaining from drugs.
“That doesn’t shock me one iota,” said Judge Israel who said she was in favor of moving Leath to in-patient status.
“The reality is actually I’m worried we’re going to lose you,” said the judge.
Leath’s attorney, Quiana Harris, said she had located a treatment facility willing to take Leath as a patient.
However, Judge Israel ordered Leath to in-patient treatment at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) and said she expected to hear back on May 4 that Leath complied.
“I know it doesn’t sound like it, but your judge cares very much about you,” said Judge Israel.
According to court records, a CSOSA officer confirmed as of May 4 Leath is an in-patient at PIW.
Leath’s next probation hearing is scheduled for May 26.
