Judge Finds Probable Cause for Three of Four Co-Defendants

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 24, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that three out of four co-defendants had enough evidence to go to trial on gun possession charges. 

Malcolm Gaskins, Hassan Thompson, Jonathan Brown and James Robinson were arrested May 20 in an apartment building on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE. 

According to court documents, members of the Gun Recovery Unit responded to an anonymous tip that the suspects were in possession of firearms. Upon arriving at the scene, one officer covered the apartment door’s peephole, causing it to open. The responding officers recovered 11 ounces of a green leafy substance, a glass vial half-filled with an amber-liquid, five handguns and ammunition. 

Robinson’s possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance charge was dismissed. Judge Rainey Brandt said she did not find probable cause.

During the Aug. 24 hearing, the arresting Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer said he smelled marijuana, but acknowledged that he did not initially spot any in plainview.

Robinson’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, pointed to a pending investigation against the officer  when arguing that her client’s case did not have probable cause. The officer is under investigation for allegedly using excessive force and violating proper search and seizure protocols in 2017.

The other three defendants are charged with unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the incident. Judge Brandt found probable cause in their cases.

Brown and Gaskins will remain released on their promise to return to court for their next hearing. Thompson will remain held at DC Jail.

Judge Brandt scheduled the three defendants for a status hearing on Nov. 12.