Defendant Pleads Guilty to All Counts in Sexual Abuse Case

By Marta Fernandez [former] , Caroline Sagristano [former] - March 27, 2023
Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault | Suspects |

On March 24, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun accepted a guilty plea in a case of attempted rape and robbery.

Michael Hartley, 32, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse by the threat of force and robbery. The case stems from two separate incidents that occurred in November 2022 on 3000 K Street, NW and Anacostia Park near the 11th Street Bridge in Southeast DC.

Judge Okun read the prosecution offer for a guilty plea to all charges, including five years in prison, a $12,500 fine, up to 10 years of supervised release, and a requirement to register as a sex offender upon release. 

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), regarding the incident located at 3000 K Street NW, the victim reported seeing the defendant follow her onto a building elevator. As they exited the elevator, the defendant snatched her phone from her hand and began striking her in the head.

The defendant threw the victim to the ground as her back faced him. He pulled her underwear down as she fought to keep it up. As the victim turned around, she saw the defendant’s pants were down. 

The victim was able to flee the scene and seek help.

As for the offense located in Anacostia Park, the victim reported she was running on a park trail when she noticed the defendant following her. The defendant grabbed her, making her fall to the ground. She began screaming as the defendant tried to pin her down and pull down her shorts. 

The defendant fled the scene. 

The prosecution stated that, if this case had gone to trial, they would have proved that Harley committed both crimes beyond a reasonable doubt. 

“I’ll conditionally accept this plea,” said Judge Okun, explaining that he needs to finish reading the reports provided by both parties before sentencing.

If accepted, Hartley’s sentencing date is scheduled for June 2.