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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- December 4, 2020
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On Nov. 25, a DC Superior Court judge ruled there was enough evidence to bring a sex abuse case to trial.
The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly trying to rape an ex-partner on Oct. 17 in Southeast, DC.
The prosecution presented their witness, a detective in the Sexual Assault Unit with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The prosecution showed several exhibits including a report from the initial investigation, which was authored by the detective and a stay away order against the defendant from Prince George’s County, Md.
Defense attorney Amanda Rogers introduced Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage of the victim being questioned by police and audio from the victim’s 911 call. Rogers pointed out inconsistencies in the detective’s testimony and information revealed in BWC footage.
Judge Robert Okun said that, although there were many inconsistencies, probable cause is established in this case because it is a low standard.
He also said that the defendant’s limited criminal history and the weakness of the evidence against him weighs in favor of allowing the defendant to be put on pretrial release. The defendant was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring and an order to stay away from the victim.
This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.