Judge Holds Three Defendants During Presentments

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 19, 2020
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge held three defendants, releasing 20 during initial hearings on Nov. 18. 

Brian Clinton is charged with simple assault and destruction of property under $1,000. 

The offense occurred on Nov. 17. According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) received a radio call for someone destroying property on the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, NW.

Upon arrival, the victim reported that Clinton, 41, became agitated when he was asked to leave, so he picked up a rock and threw it at the victim’s car. Three bystanders who saw what took place restrained Clinton from leaving and called the police. 

Judge Renee Raymond decided to hold Clinton at DC Jail, where he will remain until his next hearing on Dec. 8. 

Louis Hicks is charged with second-degree theft, unlawful entry onto private property and contempt for violating a condition of his release in another pending case. 

On Nov. 17, Hicks, 31, allegedly entered and stole from The Benning Market, which is located on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE. Shortly after Hicks’ arrest, the MPD discovered his outstanding stay-away order from that very same location in a pending case in which he is charged with attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful entry into private property and simple assault. 

The prosecution requested Hicks be held due to the continuous violation of his stay-away order. 

Judge Raymond granted the prosecution’s request since she did not see conditions that would reasonably assure the safety of the community.

Hicks’ next hearing date is scheduled for Dec. 8.

One defendant appeared before the court regarding two different cases. 

Deandre Smith is charged with being a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted in the state of Maryland for failing to appear at a hearing for a larceny charge.

In the second case, Smith, 22, is charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, resisting arrest and carrying a pistol without a license. He was ordered to appear before the court on Sept. 16, but he failed to appear, so the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. 

The prosecution was amenable to Smith’s release in his fugitive case but requested Smith be held on his bench warrant in order to ensure his appearance in court. Judge Raymond granted the request and held Smith with no bail.

His next hearing is scheduled to take place on Dec. 18. 

Judge Raymond released seven defendants charged with misdemeanors, including attempted threats to do bodily harm, assaulting a police officer, second-degree theft, parole violation and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. 

All seven defendants were issued stay-away orders from victims or places of the alleged incidents. The defendants were also required to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

One defendant is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operating a vehicle while impaired. She is released on the condition that she does not drive at all in DC.

She was also required to report to PSA.

Seven defendants with domestic violence-related charges were released. All seven of the defendants were issued stay-away orders from the victims and places of the crimes. Additionally, one defendant was ordered to wear a GPS monitor.

All seven are scheduled to return to court April 21, 2021.

Four defendants, charged with being fugitives from the state of Virginia, were released. Their charges included possession of a weapon, vehicle theft, failure to appear larceny and probation violation in an assault case. 

One defendant, who has been in the hospital since Nov. 2, was released and scheduled to return to court for an arraignment citation hearing on April 8, 2021. 

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.