Judge Issues Bench Warrant For Homeless Defendant

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A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a domestic violence defendant charged with sexual abuse and simple assault.

The defendant was ordered to return to court on July 28 to address his issues complying with his pretrial release conditions.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said the defendant has been a loss of contact for five months.

Defense attorney Celine Schroeder said her client is currently homeless and the COVID-19 pandemic is making it difficult for shelters to admit him. She asked the court to reschedule the hearing and give her more time to reach the defendant, as he has not picked up new cases since April.

However, the prosecution requested the bench warrant, saying that the defendant is unlikely to return voluntarily, given the length of time he has been a loss of contact.

The judge referenced the defendant’s history of noncompliance with release conditions as well as his 2015 sexual abuse conviction.

The defendant is scheduled for a status hearing on Oct. 5.