In a motions hearing March 10 before DC Superior Court Neal Kravitz, the former lead detective in a homicide case revealed information about his previously undisclosed conduct problems.
Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE on July 5, 2023.
The defense asked the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer about an investigation in which he was “supposed to get a one day suspension,” but the sanction was reduced to an educational course. The June 25, 2024 incident stemmed from the detective handing over a cell phone to an officer who was the main subject of the investigation.
The defense also questioned the detective about an incident that occurred in March 2022.
According to the defense, an individual filed a complaint against the detective for alleged harassment and mishandling of property in March 2022.
Even though the detective said he was exonerated of harassment, he was instructed on how to avoid mishandling of property.
When asked if the detective mishandled a cell phone, before it was searched by MPD, the detective agreed.
According to the defense, the investigation concluded that the detective violated several general orders and a departmental policy concerning sexual harassment while on duty. As a result, MPD proposed termination, but the detective requested a hearing.
At the hearing, he entered into a last chance agreement and was required to transfer his assignment.
The detective admitted that the agreement is still in place. He also said that he could face “possible termination” in the event of another “adverse action.”
Ultimately, the detective was transferred from the homicide division and “stripped” of his title as a lead detective.
After the detective’s testimony, defense counsel said they were made aware of investigations into the detective’s past conduct “last night or early this morning.”
This late disclosure is, “so profoundly unfair to Mr. Macdeo,” according to Jessica Willis, one of his defense attorneys. She explained that this could have “been uncovered earlier and shouldn’t have been covered in the first place.”
The prosecution agreed to find source documents and file them by the end of the night. They requested that the defense file a list of exactly what information they need the prosecution to provide.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 12.
