Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Homeless Man On Probation

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 19, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Probation | Suspects |

On June 19, a defendant’s defense attorney argued against issuing a warrant for his client’s arrest to no avail.

Ernest Moody was charged in August 2019 with simple assault, destruction of property and attempted threats to do bodily harm. 

Moody asked a man to buy him some cigarettes and got violent with the victim when he refused.

The defendant was released to a halfway house and work release program at Hope Village in September of 2019.

He was dropped from the program for several noncompliance issues and held at DC Jail.

Moody accepted a plea deal in May and was sentenced to 180 days in jail, which was suspended, and 18 months on probation with requirements including mental health screenings and treatment and anger management classes.

Moody was released on May 27. Shortly after his release, he went on a business trip to Pennsylvania, but according to his probation officer, he never checked in when he returned. 

The probation officer also said Moody left the DC area without permission.

In addition, the officer said Moody is in need of mental health treatment, never went to live with his mother in Maryland as instructed, and has allegedly been using marijuana.

Moody’s defense attorney, Chris Langello, argued that Moody did not need permission to go to Pennsylvania for work. His employer has been helping him with housing and other necessities while he speaks about prison reform.

Langello also argued that there is no official information about Moody using drugs.

While District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Sean Staples acknowledged Langello’s argument, he cited additional issues, including Moody’s failure to report for GPS monitoring and his continued failure to connect with his probation officer.

Langello said Moody is currently homeless and lost his phone, so there was no way of him knowing about his scheduled hearing. He stated that he is confident he can track him down.

Langello also noted that June 19 is a holiday, referring to Juneteenth, and that it is unfair to ask an African American man to attend court when the court should be closed in acknowledgment of Emancipation Day for individuals who were forced into slavery in the country.

Judge Staples replied that June 19 is not a holiday in DC, which is why the courts are open. He issued a no bond bench warrant for Moody’s arrest for his non-compliance with his probation requirements.