Judge Finds Probable Cause in Sexual Assault Case, Holds Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 25, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On Aug. 25, a DC Superior Court judge ruled that a sexual assault case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred on May 29 on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE. 

Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause, saying the victim’s injuries were consistent with the claims.

Judge Edelman also chose to continue holding the defendant at DC Jail. He said the facts of this case were alarming and contribute overall to a finding of dangerousness, citing the defendant’s prior four assault offenses and self-reported use of PCP.

According to court documents, the defendant is accused of closely following his victim, approaching her and making a sexual comment.

He then allegedly touched the victim’s buttocks, pushed her to the floor and dragged her behind a parked car, forcing his body onto the victim’s stomach, punched her multiple times and pulled her pants down. 

A witness driving by the road intervened after hearing the victim cry for help. 

Footage from cameras outside of the Department of Motor Vehicles nearby supported the prosecution’s theory that the defendant followed the victim. Photos taken by officers of the victim’s injuries were also presented to support the claim that she was punched and dragged.

The defendant’s attorney, Sylvia Smith said the alleged touching of the victim’s buttocks was not seen on the DMV footage, no forensic samples were taken off of the victim and she denied care or an examination from a sexual assault nurse. Additionally, Smith said there were inconsistencies between the stories of the witness and the victims.

Smith also said the victim is known to interact with individuals in the area in a sexual way.

But, the prosecution countered that the victim’s reputation or interaction with other people is not relevant to disputing probable cause. 

Another hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 11.

Judge Edelman also ordered the prosecution to disclose the complaint’s name, but not her date of birth, to the defense. The discovery deadline is Oct. 1.