A DC Superior Court judge allowed a defendant to be released while he awaits a probation revocation hearing.
Antonio Bennett was found guilty of simple assault in a court trial on Oct. 30. On the same day he was sentenced to 180 days at the DC Jail, which was suspended. He was also sentenced to six months of probation. As part of his probation, Bennett was required to receive drug testing, participate in an employment assistance program, seek employment and participate in community service.
On Feb. 24, a probation violation was issued and a warrant was issued for Bennett’s arrest. The same thing happened again on May 5.
As of the June 19 hearing, Bennett had been in jail for 45 days. On June 5, he filed a motion for release based on the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Judge Julie Becker, Bennett does not have any health conditions that make him especially vulnerable to the coronavirus. However, he was in jail solely on a misdemeanor charge and his criminal history is not extensive.
Bennett also has verifiable and safe housing now.
Judge Becker decided to release him while he awaits his next hearing on July 7. Bennett, whose presence was waived, was also placed on GPS monitoring.
