Judge Keeps Noncompliant Defendant’s Release Conditions

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On July 22, a DC Superior Court judge decided that she wasn’t going to change a defendant’s pretrial release conditions despite several instances of noncompliance. 

Rashad Johnson is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said that Johnson, 20, failed to comply with his conditions of release by not reporting weekly by phone or confirming his address. 

Defense attorney Stephanie Johnson said her client does not have a phone. She said he was also unaware of the conditions since his mom maintains his paperwork and put the release order away. She said he now understands his release conditions.

Judge Danya Dayson said Johnson will be sent to jail if he does not get into compliance. 

On April 21, the defendant allegedly broke a chain and lock and stole a motorcycle from the 1100 block of 4th Street, SE. When confronted by the victim, Johnson got off the vehicle and drove away on a different stolen motorcycle. He also committed multiple traffic violations to avoid a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer. 

The defendant eventually got off the motorcycle, tried to run away by foot and was apprehended by the officer. 

Johnson’s next court date is scheduled for Oct. 7.