Judge Discharges Hearing for Defendant on Probation

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 18, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A 36-year-old man on probation with a conviction of a sexual abuse was discharged because of his effort to attend his hearing on June 17.

Jermale McKnight was placed on probation in March with significant conditions, including a mental health screening and possible treatment, drug testing and possible treatment, alcohol testing and possible treatment, sex offender counseling and a stay away order.

DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples noted that McKnight appeared in court and asked the probation officer if he was willing to continue working with McKnight.

According to McKnight’s probation officer, McKnight has not had contact with him since April.

It was also unclear if McKnight is homeless or not.

McKnight’s attorney, Lauckland Nicholas, argued that McKnight was homeless and that the issues of non-compliance have arisen out of possible mental health issues.

However, McKnight’s probation officer said the defendant is not homeless.

The probation officer agreed to continue working with McKnight and Judge Staples discharged the hearing with a warning to McKnight that he must check-in with his probation officer.

McKnight was held on an outstanding arrest warrant.