Judge Holds 3 Defendants During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 14, 2020
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge held three defendants and released 24 during initial hearings on Dec. 12. 

Michael Curtis is charged with simple assault for allegedly assaulting a victim and a police officer on Dec. 11. 

According to court documents Curtis, 31, allegedly approached the victim, asking for money. When the victim refused, Curtis lashed out and hit the victim multiple times. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived on the scene and apprehended Curtis, who then resisted arrest, injuring an officer in the process. 

Curtis will be held at DC jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 29. 

Lewis McCarson is being charged with a Civil Protection Order (CPO) violation, contempt, simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm. McCarson was also brought before the court in two bench warrants for failing to appear in court. 

On Dec. 11, on the 3500 block of A Street, SE, an  MPD officer allegedly observed McCarson, 47, walking on the sidewalk. The officer, having prior knowledge of an arrest warrant being out on McCarson, asked him to identify himself. After he did so, the MPD officer arrested McCarson. 

Judge Sean Staples found probable cause, citing the defendant’s additional pending CPO violation charge. He decided to release him on his new charges but granted the prosecution’s request to hold him in his bench warrants, based on the violations. 

McCarson will be held at DC jail until his next court hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 16. 

Leon Winder is charged with possession of ammunition and a firearm with a prior conviction in a Federal charge.

“I have no choice but to hold you until Monday for you to be seen in Federal Court,” Judge Staples said. 

Leon Winder will be held at DC jail until his next hearing on Dec. 14. 

Of the 24 defendants that Judge Staples released, eight of them were charged with domestic violence-related offenses. Some of those charges include attempted threats to do bodily harm, simple assault, possession of a prohibited weapon and contempt. All eight defendants were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and issued stay-away orders from people and places. They are all scheduled to return to court on May 14, 2021. 

Ten defendants who were charged with misdemeanors were released. Some of the underlying charges include cruelty to animals, simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted second-degree theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle. All defendants were released under PSA and ordered to return to court on May 14, 2021. Only a few of the defendants were issued stay-away orders. 

Among those released were four defendants with felony charges. The charges were carrying a pistol without a license, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and unarmed carjacking. They were released on their personal recognizance to return to court and ordered to check in with PSA. 

One fugitive from the state of Maryland is wanted for vehicle theft. Judge Staples released the defendant so he could turn himself in to the demanding jurisdiction. His next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2021.

A defendant charged with possession of an unregistered firearm was released. The defendant was ordered to report to PSA and return to court on May 14, 2021.

This article was written by Emily Pengelly.