Judge Releases 18 of 21 Defendants During Initial Hearing

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 26, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

On June 25, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 18 defendants, holding three defendants at DC Jail.

Of those released, four defendants did not have charges filed against them, one was dismissed and two were given citations.

Judge Herrmann held a defendant on charges of assault, attempted threats, obstructing justice and contempt in a domestic violence case. She held him because he has two pending cases, and reoccurring offenses with the same person.

Raymond Touya is charged with one count of first-degree burglary for allegedly entering a residence and attempting to take some of the owners’ belongings. Touya’s defense attorney argued that the details in the police report are minimal and that it was very possible that Touya knew the alleged victims.

Judge Herrmann held Touya, citing the fact that he picked up a knife while in the residence and was concerned about the animosity between the owners and Touya. 

Nicholas Dorsey was also held and is charged with one count of simple assault for spitting on the alleged victim and calling him names. Judge Herrmann held him, citing his three other pending cases that all involved Dorsey spitting on other individuals.

The judge said she would not usually hold a defendant in this situation, but she has “serious health concerns” given the current pandemic.

Judge Herrmann found probable cause in a case where the individual is charged with one count of assault with intent to commit robbery. The man’s defense attorney explained that the defendant was having an asthma attack and was asking for water, not someone’s wallet.

Three defendants charged with being fugitives from outside of DC were released with instructions to turn themselves in to the states where their warrants reside. One of the defendants’ case was dismissed.

A defendant charged with carrying a pistol without a license was released with a stay-away order from the 400 block of N Street NW because he has no criminal history.

Judge Herrmann agreed to release another defendant on GPS surveillance with a stay-away order from where the alleged incident occurred.

Two individuals with bench warrants for failure to appear were released with new dates set for their missed hearings.

Two defendants involved in domestic violence cases were also released as the prosecution was amenable. Judge Herrmann released them both with stay-away orders in place.

One final defendant is charged with one count of attempted threats and one count of destroying property in a domestic violence case. “Sometimes people just get overly angry,” said the defense attorney, suggesting that the defendant may just need anger management counseling.

Judge Herrmann released the defendant because the person who pressed charges is not the same person in his other cases.

She noted that he appears to have no problem following stay-away orders.