Judge Decides Against Issuing Bench Warrant

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A DC Superior Court judge decided against issuing a bench warrant for a man who was convicted of theft after he failed to appear for his July 23 hearing. 

Donnell Wilkinson was summoned to court to address his issues complying with the terms of his probation. 

In January, Wilkinson, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft in two separate cases. He admitted to stealing clothing from a store on the 900 block of F Street, NW on Oct. 7, 2019, according to court documents. On Nov. 24, 2019, Wilkinson stole jewelry from a CVS pharmacy on the 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW.

He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 35 of which were suspended, plus six months of probation.

“He might be confused,” Judge Danya Dayson said. “He may not know that he’s supposed to be here.”

Judge Dayson denied the prosecution’s request to issue a bench warrant, saying she will continue the case for four weeks.

Defense attorney Stephen Logerfo said he would visit his client’s residence and contact his mother to ask about his whereabouts.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug 20.