Judge Denies Defendant’s Fifth Motion for Release

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A DC Superior Court judge denied a defendant’s fifth motion for release, arguing that he is a threat to the community’s safety. 

Tony Horne, 39, is charged with conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree theft, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, carrying a pistol without licence outside of home or business, possession of a unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Horne has motioned for release five different times since Nov. 1, 2019. As COVID-19  continued to spread in DC Jail, Horne’s motions became more frequent. 

Defense Attorney Joseph Yarbough cited the various skin and gastrointestinal issues Horne got while detained as reason to release him. Horne recently contracted COVID-19 and was transported to isolation. When he was released back into the general population of DC jail, some COVID-19 symptoms returned, such as shortness of breadth.

Horne recently tested both positive and negative for COVID-19 after isolation.

Counsel for the defense and the prosecution are unsure as to whether Horne still has COVID-19 or if the symptoms are simply still present.

Yarbough and Judge Neal Kravitz also examined Horne’s previous release in 2019.

Horne had been released because he had not yet charged with kidnapping, although the prosecution possessed video evidence.

When Judge Kravitz asked about the reasoning behind the delayed kidnapping arrest, the prosector said a “thorough investigation” of the video evidence needed to be done.

Horne and his alleged co-conspirators, Dexter Brown and Gregory Sharps, who have also motioned for release, will remain in DC Jail while awaiting their status hearing on June 19.

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