Judge Holds 4 Of 18 Defendants During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 27, 2020
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

On Aug. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna released 14 defendants and held four defendants in DC Jail during their initial hearings.

Three defendants charged with unlawful firearm offenses were held by Judge McKenna. 

Marquel Minter is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The judge determined probable cause in this case because the defendant’s DNA was found on the pistol.

Judge McKenna approved the prosecution’s request for a hold because Minter is currently on supervision in two felony cases. He was also allegedly engaged in illegal conduct as he was found in a house with drugs and firearms. 

Darius Thomas is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Probable cause was determined in his case and a hold was deemed necessary due to evidence that Thomas engaged in illicit drug distribution while in possession of a firearm.

Judge McKenna decided to hold Lamar Jones, who is charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense and unlawful possession of a firearm.

She determined that the police report establishes probable cause, especially since a witness positively identified Jones. Jones’ attorney requested home confinement instead of incarceration. However, the prosecution’s request for a hold was granted because Jones allegedly shot a witness during the robbery.

The judge held a defendant in a domestic violence case who was charged with contempt and violation of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO).

According to Judge McKenna, he defendant had been told to stay away from the victim twice and allegedly became extremely combative when confronted by officers on the scene.  

Of those released, three defendants were charged in domestic violence cases. Judge McKenna released all three of them with stay-away orders from the alleged victims.

Judge McKenna also released two defendants charged with being fugitives from justice from Maryland. They are both to report as soon as possible to Maryland, where one is charged with shoplifting and the other with assault. 

Three defendants with simple assault charges were released. One of the three defendants was also charged with attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, which was a knife. Another defendant has an additional charge of threats to do bodily harm. Judge McKenna released all three with stay-away orders. One defendant was also ordered to report for drug testing once available. 

Two defendants charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business were released. One of the two defendant was also charged with armed robbery and the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense. 

Both defendants were given stay-away orders and are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The judge also placed one of the defendants on 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring. The defendant is only permitted to leave his residence for verified employment purposes.

Four additional defendants charged with misdemeanors were released.

One defendant was still in the hospital, so his hearing is rescheduled for Aug. 27.

One fugitive from justice case was dismissed because Maryland authorities failed to retrieve the defendant from DC Jail within three business days.