Defendant Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Sex Abuse

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

A defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree sex abuse and waived his right to an indictment at a felony status hearing on Feb. 9.

Alexander Hernandez, 42, is charged with second-degree sex abuse on April 1, 2022, for having sexual acts with a victim who was unconscious while under the influence of illegal drugs. This crime occurred on the 3300 block of 19th Street, NW.

Defense attorney Damon L. Catacalos requested his client’s release from jail. He also mentioned that his client is expecting a child and, if released, he would be able to attend the birth.

Catacalos said the defendant agreed to wear a GPS monitor to keep track of his location.

However, the prosecution opposed the request for release from jail, citing the defendant’s repeated absences from court on Jan. 17 and May 5, 2022.

The prosecutor said she would agree to a temporary release, so the  defendant could witness the birth of his child.

Judge Robert Okun concurred with the prosecution, requesting  Catacalos determine the date of the child’s birth and submit the necessary documentation to the corrections department to obtain a furlow release. 

The next court date was scheduled for April 21.