Judge Schedules Hearings for Seven Assault Defendants

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 30, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

On July 29, DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson scheduled hearings for seven defendants with various assault charges.

Kenneth Lindsay, 35, is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly sexually harassing a victim and then attempting to sexually assault her on the 4600 block of B Street, SE.

The parties in Lindsay’s case deliberated over a protective order sealing the Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage, worn by a police officer during the initial investigation of the incident. The prosecution argued that the victim has a right to privacy when talking about her assault, but the defense said the privacy right was not an appropriate cause for a protective order.

Judge Dayson decided that only the defense could see the footage. She then scheduled a hearing for Aug. 7 to determine if the case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Raymond Poston, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to gunshots on the 400 block of Florida Avenue, NE. When they got there, they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. After searching Poston’s car, they found multiple weapons and drugs.

Judge Dayson scheduled a status date for Poston on Sept. 1.

Wendell Clay, 40, is charged with second-degree theft, simple assault, assault on a police officer and destruction of property less than $1,000 on the 1600 block of 30th Street, NW at the Randle Highlands Elementary School.

At the request of the defense, Judge Dayson scheduled a detention hearing for Clay on Aug. 7.

Jerrell Bell, 23, is arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly pulling out a handgun on a victim that he was harassing on the 800 block of Randolph Street, NW. The victim shot Bell in self-defense, and Bell was transported to the hospital and treated for two bullet wounds.

Bell’s defense attorney, Chris Langello, said that he has had significant plea agreement discussions with the prosecution. He asked for a preliminary hearing to be scheduled on Aug. 17 in the event that he is not able to come to an agreement with the prosecution. The plea offer expires on Aug. 14.

Marco Rinaldie is charged with simple assault for allegedly punching and kicking a victim at Franklin square on K Street, NW. Rinaldie’s defense attorney, Brandi Harden, did not know that Rinaldie was being held prior to his hearing. At Harden’s request, Judge Dayson set a detention hearing for Rinaldie on Aug. 10.

Dawat Hailu is charged with simple assault for allegedly threatening to punch people while panhandling and then threatening a victim with a knife on the 1400 block of Irving Street, NW.

Janai Reed, Hailu’s attorney, asked Judge Dayson for Hailu to be given a mental forensic examination in order to determine if he is competent to stand trial. She said that Hailu does not currently seem capable of understanding the charges and nature of a plea.

Judge Dayson then set a mental health observation hearing for Hailu on Aug. 6. 

Finally, Dominick Jackson, 35, is charged with simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000 for allegedly pushing a victim to the ground after a verbal argument on the 1100 block of 1st Place, NW. Jackson was also on probation for another simple assault case at the time of the incident.

Jackson’s attorney, Steven Polin, requested that Jackson be released on the basis of COVID-19, but Judge Dayson said that Jackson does not fit any of the guidelines for potential release. She scheduled a detention hearing for Aug. 12.