Judge Continues Defendant’s Hearing

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 25, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Probation | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge extended a defendant’s hearing, saying that the Department of Corrections needed more time to establish a reintegration plan before the defendant can be released into the community.

Edward Cowser is charged with attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm, second-degree theft and shoplifting.

Cowser was previously on probation for a second-degree theft from January to March without any additional charges. However, in  late April, Cowser was arrested multiple times for the aforementioned charges.

Judge Michael Ryan asked defense attorney Jamison Koehler why no plan has been made for Cowser’s release, since he is currently sitting in DC Jail’s mental health unit on misdemeanor charges.

Koehler said that he has had great trouble getting in contact with Cowser and authorities at DC Jail in order to create a plan for release. 

Judge Ryan contacted the Department of Corrections, asking why a plan has not been established to release Cowser, especially because there is a federal judge’s order to lower the jail population based on COVID-19. 

The Department of Corrections did not have a complete answer for Judge Ryan.

After requesting, the Department of Corrections and the Department of Behavioral Health begin shaping a release plan for Cowser.

Judge Ryan said that he is interested in safely releasing Cowser with an Assertive Community Treatment team, an approach devoted to delivering mental health services to those on the schizophrenia disorder spectrum. 

Cowser is currently still being held in  DC jail, but he is scheduled for a hearing on July 1 to evaluate his readiness for release.