Judge Denies Release of Defendant Jailed for Assault

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

A judge denied the release of a defendant currently jailed for assault. 

Cordell Simms is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and assault with a dangerous weapon on April 15.

Defense attorney Albert Amissah requested the release of his client, saying Simms has a place to live with his brother in Silver Springs, Md. Amissah also said the gun in Simms’ possession might have been inoperable.

The prosecution argued that Simms should remain in custody because he has multiple cases of violence against him. When Simms was found by police, he was in a stolen car and had 25 rounds of ammunition.


Judge Michael O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution and said that Simms will stay in custody.

Simms has indicated that he is not sure whether he should take a plea deal that the prosecution is offering.

To allow more time to discuss the matter, Simms has been scheduled for a felony status hearing on July 16.