Judge Continues Probation Hearing for Domestic Violence, Sex Abuse Defendant

By Dylan Berman [former] - June 8, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault | Suspects |

A D.C. Superior Court judge continued a mental observation hearing in a felony domestic violence case. 

Idris Webster was initially charged with aggravated assault knowingly in 2019. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sex abuse and aggravated assault knowingly with grave risk three months later.

As part of the plea, Judge Ronna Beck sentenced the defendant to five years of probation and three years of supervised release on Nov. 15, 2019. The defendant was required to undergo domestic violence and sex abuse intervention with substance abuse and mental health assistance. He was permitted to reside and serve out his probation in Tennessee.

During a June 6 hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo and attorneys discussed a new pretrial report stating the defendant had been arrested in Tennessee and charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct. 

Judge Demeo said the charges against the defendant in the Washington D.C. case are much more severe than the charges filed in Tennessee. 

Judge Demeo also said the sole letter she received from the defendant’s outpatient provider does not verify the extent of the treatment Webster is undergoing and requested more documentation. Judge Demeo continued the proceeding to allow time for counsel to get more information.

The prosecution argued the letter’s age indicates it is outdated and noted the defendant was arrested for another violation two months after finishing his previous mental health treatment.

Webster is scheduled to appear in court next on June 11, when the judge is expected to issue a ruling on his probation.