Defendant Tries to Contact Victim From Jail in  Sexual Abuse Case

By Alesar Harfoush [former] - February 27, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied the defense’s motion for release to a half-way house to guarantee the safety of the victim. 

The 43-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse while armed for an alleged sexual act on Nov. 3, 2022, on the 5500 block of Chillum Place, NW.  

The victim was screaming while the defendant licked her face and neck, according to court documents Another male, who was present in the house, said to the defendant “don’t make anyone do anything they don’t want to do.”. 

The defendant reportedly pushed her onto the bed and removed her pants and underwear when she attempted to leave. He placed a black handgun in front of her. The victim reported being in fear for her life after he told her “that’s the shit that gets people killed” before he licked and penetrated the victim’s vagina with his penis while he was on top of her, according to court documents. 

On Feb 24, during a motions hearing, defense attorney Thomas Healy requested that the defendant be released to a half-way house he previously contacted and was able to reserve a bed. The defense stated that since the defendant’s DNA was not found on the victim’s private area and the victim’s DNA was not found on defendant’s  private areas it’s an allegation, and the defendant is not guilty.  

The prosecution opposed the defense’s request, stating that the defendant is not able to follow orders outside of jail or inside based on his prior criminal record, including first-degree theft, drug possession, assault with dangerous weapons, and escape from an institution. 

In addition, DNA test results showed the defendant’s DNA was found on the victim’s neck and cheeks.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant also sent his uncle a letter that included the victim’s phone number, address and name asking the uncle to “scare that lying bitch”. DC Jail also informed the prosecution of the defendant’s attempts to call the victim. 

The prosecutor said tampering with witness charges will be added to the defendant’s case. 

The defense responded by saying a motion regarding the added charges will be filed regarding those charges.  The defendant also waived his right to independent DNA testing. 

The defendant’s request for release has been previously denied more than one time and nothing has changed since then. 

A status hearing is scheduled for April 4.