Judge Releases Defendant Despite His Failure to Comply

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A DC Superior Court judge released a defendant April 27 despite his record of not returning to court or obeying release conditions.

Mason Cousins pleaded guilty to threatening to kidnap or injure a person on Aug. 2, 2019.

Judge Todd Edelman released Cousins under the high intensity supervision program (HISP). However, Cousins was previously released to the HISP program on Aug.2, 2019.

Cousins was non compliant with his conditions and did not return for his sentencing date on Oct. 19, 2019 . A bench warrant was then issued for his arrest. He was re-arrested on Dec. 18, 2019.

Cousins filed for release because of the COVID-19 pandemic on April 23.

Cousins is scheduled for a motion hearing on June 18.