Defendant At Risk of Being Sent Back to Prison After Testing Positive for Fentanyl

By Christopher Sivak [former] - March 8, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During a status hearing on March 7, a judge told a defendant he was at risk of going back to jail after he tested positive for fentanyl.

Ronnie Melson, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting Demetrius Jones, 41, on Nov. 6, 2020, on the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE.

During the hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe brought up an issue regarding Melson’s pretrial release.

The prosecutor said Melson tested positive for fentanyl multiple times during his routine check-ins with the pretrial services agency (PSA).

The prosecutor also said Melson had problems with being released in the past and has never fully complied with the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). 

HISP requires Melson to undergo weekly drug testing. In order for the defendant qualify for HISP, he must not have any warrants or detainers, provide a verified address, and obtain an agreement that allows monitoring equipment to be installed. Melson is currently released under HISP with home confinement and GPS monitoring. 

Defense attorney Jason Tulley argued that Melson was released because the prosecution had limited evidence against him and nothing concrete tying him to the murder.

Tulley further argued that pretrial services recommended that Melson enter into a treatment facility because of his drug use. Melson has fully complied with the other requirements in HISP.

The problem with placing Melson in a treatment facility would be that home confinement portion of HISP release could not be ensured.

Pretrial services said the facility would not be forced to ensure Melson did not leave the property. 

However, Judge O’Keefe said he feels he could find a way to work around the home confinement problem by adding a condition to Melson’s release.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled another hearing for next week and if Melson stays clean, then he would be eligible for treatment.

The parties are scheduled to return March 15 for a status hearing.