Judge Gives Carjacking Defendant Last Chance to Stay on Release 

By Mackenzie Konjoyan [former] , Lourdes Camarillo [former] - July 24, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian alerted a carjacking defendant he had one chance to prove he deserves to remain on release during a July 23 hearing following a non-compliance report from the DC Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

Richard Bates, 17, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on Sept. 13, 2023, on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE. 

According to court documents, two suspects, one of whom was identified as Bates, demanded a victim’s vehicle at gunpoint. It is alleged that Bates was in the victim’s vehicle when he was apprehended. Police have not arrested the second individual. 

On July 19, following 14 notices of non-compliance during release dating back to Oct. 12, 2023, prosecutors expressed concern about Bates’ release conditions. 

At the hearing, Christen Phillips, Bates’ attorney, presented Paul Thomas, a manager of professional development and enrichment at “Smart from the Start”, who spoke about a workforce development program for Bates. The organization promotes “healthy development” for children and families from the most underserved communities in several US cities.

Thomas said Bates would undergo life skills, job interview training, mentoring and coaching by staff and support to obtain his GED.

The prosecution pointed out that Bates was late for curfew twice after the last hearing on July 19. At that hearing, Bates was reprimanded for missing curfew and violating release conditions. The prosecution argued that he has not learned from his mistakes.

Pretrial services said Bates, along with missing curfew, was not participating in court-ordered drug testing.

However, Phillips argued he was late for curfew because the shelter where he currently resides does not let him in without his mother present, and she was not there.

Judge Christian weighed the options and said that Bates needs to be occupied and engaged “24/7” if he participates in the Smart from the Start program.

“Violations from this point on ‘That’s it,’” Judge Christian said to Bates, alerting him any further violations may result in his detainment.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 30.