Judge Hears 7 Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Cases During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 5, 2021
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On Jan. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond presided over 38 defendants during initial hearings. 

Of the 38 defendants heard, Judge Raymond held nine and released 29. In total, only seven were charged with domestic violence or sexual abuse cases.

The judge held one domestic violence defendant, who is charged with simple assault and destruction of property. The male defendant was also brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his probation hearing for a traffic conviction.

The prosecution requested that the defendant be held, given the allegations of strangulation.

Judge Raymond decided to hold the defendant given that he is on probation in another domestic violence case, which involves the same complaining witness as his new case. She said she could not ensure the safety of the victim, which is why he will be held at DC Jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled on Jan. 19. 

The judge also gave the defendant a stay-away order from the victim once he is released, but the defendant stated, on the record, that he would not stay away from her. Judge Raymond said that his declaration would be taken into account at his next hearing.

Five other domestic violence cases were heard by the judge. The charges include simple assault, destruction of property less than $1,000, attempted threats to do bodily harm, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a controlled substance, which was PCP. 

All of the defendants in these cases were released with stay-away orders from the alleged victims.

One final defendant is charged with sexual abuse and simple assault. He was released with an order not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) any employees of Howard University Hospital in DC.