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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- July 18, 2020
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On July 16, a DC Superior Court judge allowed a defendant who is awaiting sentencing to remain released.
Rodney Hart Jr. pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary in February for trying to remove a flat screen television from a building on the 2100 block of L Street, NW on Nov. 7. 2019.
The prosecution said Hart should be held in jail until he receives his sentence since he has had issues complying with release conditions, including violating a stay away order.
Defense attorney Todd Baldwin reiterated the argument he made in a hearing on July 14 that his client’s stay away order, which covers the entire District of Columbia, was too broad. He also said Hart is seeking mental health treatment.
However, the prosecution said Hart had no reason to be in the District of Columbia because he has not been working at his electrician apprenticeship in Navy Yard since March 20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The prosecution also said that Hart’s grandfather said he does not want the defendant exposing himself to people who could potentially carry the virus.
Judge Gerald Fisher decided not to change his earlier ruling.
Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 3.