Defendant Accused of Sexually Abusing 2 Children Rejects Plea Offer

By Mark Lu [former] - May 12, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Suspects | Victims |

A defendant accused of sexually abusing two children rejected a plea offer from the prosecution.

The 23-year-old defendant is charged with one count of first-degree child sex abuse and one count of second-degree child sex abuse for allegedly abusing two young girls, ages five and seven, at a family member’s residence.

During a May 11 hearing, the prosecutor laid out the plea offer. It would have required the defendant to plead guilty to one count of second-degree child sex abuse in relation to the first victim and one count of attempted child sex abuse in relation to the second victim. In exchange, the prosecutor would drop all aggravating circumstances stemming from the victims being less than 12 years old and the familial relationship the victims have with the defendant. The defendant rejected the offer.

Attorneys told DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan the case was proceeding as scheduled. Defense attorney Julie Swaney said her client has been complying with his curfew requirements and she plans to submit a motion to modify his release conditions if he kept up his compliance.

The defendant was ordered detained at DC Jail during his initial hearing in December 2021 and released into the High Intensity Supervision Program on home confinement and a stay away order the following February. After spending 30 days in home confinement, he was allowed to leave his home with a curfew in place.

 The defendant is scheduled to return to court for a felony status conference on July 13.