Judge Issues 1 Bench Warrant During Probation, Pretrial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 6, 2020
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A DC Superior Court judge presided over nine pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 6.

Judge Julie Becker issued one bench warrant for the arrest of Daniel Greene.

Greene, 38, is serving two years of probation for second-degree theft and receiving stolen property.

Greene was not present at his hearing. His attorney, Daniel Kovler, has not been in contact with him but does know that his client is homeless. 

Kovler asked Judge Becker to not issue a bench warrant. Greene is a non-violent offender and because of the pandemic, he doesn’t want his client to be incarcerated.

Judge Becker denied the request because Greene has never been in compliance with his probation conditions. 

Judge Becker decided to revoke another defendant’s probation after he asked to be stepped back.

Reginald Cannon was serving 12 months of probation for driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug. 

According to CSOSA, Cannon, 28, was caught driving without a permit at the Canadian border. He has also not been in constant contact with CSOSA.

Cannon’s attorney, Claudine Harrison, asked Judge Becker to give Cannon time to comply. However, Cannon asked to speak to his attorney in the middle of the hearing.

After the break, Harrison told Judge Becker that Cannon wants to be stepped back.

“I can’t honestly say that I am willing to comply with the GPS requirement,” said Cannon. 

Judge Becker revoked his probation. Cannon will serve 60 days in prison. 

Judge Becker continued two cases to give time for the defendants to come into compliance with their conditions. 

Maurice Askew is charged with simple assault. Askew, 35, allegedly physically assaulted three different people at a Giant grocery store on the 1000 block of Brentwood Road, NE on April 30, 2019.

According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA,) Askew was recently re-arrested. They asked Judge Becker to order stricter release conditions for Askew by placing him under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Askew’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, asked for his conditions to stay the same because his client is currently employed. 

Judge Becker granted Robertson’s request and gave Askew until his Nov. 4 hearing to get into full compliance. 

Sean Harris is serving 18 months of probation for destruction of property less than $1,000 and attempted stalking with intent to harm. 

CSOSA asked for Harris, 33, to be put on GPS monitoring due to his noncompliance. 

Harris’ attorney, Stephanie Johnson, argued that the GPS monitor causes pain to her client’s ankles. He’s also currently homeless which would be a problem when it comes to charging the device. 

The CSOSA representative recommended revocation from his probation because Harris hangs up the phone when checking in and he’s made death threats to his former probation officer. 

“I’ve been going through a lot,” said Harris. “I’ve been inquiring about anger management and my last CSO officer was manipulating me. I apologize for being in front of you today, your honor.”

Judge Becker decided to continue this case with the same conditions of probation until Harris’ next hearing, which is scheduled on Nov. 16. 

Judge Becker continued a show cause hearing because the defendant was recently re-arrested.

Sonya Champ is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. Allegedly, Champ swung a pocket knife at someone outside of a store after being confronted about stealing a pack of beer on the 4100 block of Wheeler Road, SE on Feb. 1. 

However, in between the time that this show cause hearing was scheduled, Champ, 39, was re-arrested.

Judge Becker decided to continue the show cause hearing to get updates on the defendant. Champ’s next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9.

Both Gervanni McGriff and Christopher Richardson have become compliant with their release conditions, according to the PSA. Judge Becker decided to discharge both defendants’ show cause hearings. 

McGriff, 30, is charged with possession of eutolyne, a synthetic stimulant, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His next status hearing is scheduled for March 30.

Richardson, 34, is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm. His next status hearing is scheduled for Jan. 25. 

Judge Becker also continued an assault and bail violation defendant’s two cases for two weeks, to see if CSOSA can get in contact with him. 

The defendant’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, has been unable to contact his client. However, he does know that he is homeless and has severe health issues.  

The prosecution requested a bench warrant to be issued. Judge Becker denied the request to give extra time to see if the defendant could possibly be hospitalized right now.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20. 

Judge Becker continued a hearing in order to trail a new case due to a defendant’s re-arrest.

David Thompson is serving 12 months of probation for carrying a pistol without a license outside the home or business and cocaine possession. 

The original charges included possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of drug paraphernalia and sexual solicitation. However, due to a plea agreement, those charges were dropped. 

Thompson, 23, was recently arrested, prompting CSOSA to request a probation revocation. 

Thompson’s attorney, Daniel Quillin, argued that the other case is ongoing and it’s still only an allegation. 

Judge Becker agreed, scheduling Thompson’s next hearing for Feb. 24.