Judge Issues 4 Bench Warrants During Pretrial and Probation Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 10, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Probation | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge issued four bench warrants during the nine pretrial and probation hearings on Nov. 9. 

Arthur Harris is on probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for attacking a victim with a knife on the 2500 block of Benning Road, NE on Oct. 29, 2019. 

According to a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) report, Harris, 24, was released on Oct. 31, and never reported to his probation officer. Defense attorney David Cumberbatch said he had been unable to contact his client. 

“I think under the circumstances I’m going to issue a bench warrant, ” said Judge Gerald Fisher. “He has had a week to report and still hasn’t done so.” 

Judge Fisher held 28-year-old Kendrick Phillips after he failed to appear at his previous show cause hearing. Phillips is charged with destruction of property less than $1,000 and simple assault.

Judge Fisher said that Judge William Nooter issued bench warrants in the defendant’s two other cases last week because he was not in compliance. In those cases, Phillips is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and fleeing a law enforcement officer. 

Kevin Whitted is charged with second-degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. The 38-year-old defendant did not show up to his hearing. 

Defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, said he did not know where his client was. 

According to a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) report, Whitted has not reported since he was released in August. Judge Fisher said the defendant failed to appear on two occasions and has two escape convictions. Judge Fisher granted the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant.  

Judge Fisher also issued a bench warrant for Deon Hardy after he failed to appear in court. Hardy is charged with GPS tampering. 

Hardy’s attorney, Evan Parke, also did not know his client’s whereabouts. However, he asked Judge Fisher not to issue a bench warrant due to concerns over coronavirus at DC Jail. 

“The information I have actually says the infection rate at the jail is lower than out here,” said Judge Fisher. 

Judge Fisher scheduled a probation revocation hearing for Rondale Edwards, who was convicted of attempted robbery and attempted first-degree burglary back in 2019. 

According to CSOSA, Edwards has violated his probation seven times in the last five months. Edwards allegedly violated his release conditions by not charging his GPS monitor, failing to report, violating his curfew, failing to attend support group meetings, leaving transitional housing, and failing to verify his address. He has also been rearrested on a GPS tampering charge.

Edwards attorney, Dinah Manning, said her client is not getting enough support to meet his release conditions. She also said Edwards is trying to complete his high school diploma and is applying for jobs. 

“I’m going to release Edwards, but if he isn’t in complete compliance, I will revoke his probation,” said Judge Fisher. 

Emmanuel Sidney, 33, is charged with unlawful entry onto private property in three cases and attempted threats to do bodily harm in another case. 

According to a PSA representative, Sidney has not contacted the PSA by phone but doesn’t have a cell phone with which to make his weekly check-ins. 

Judge Danya Dayson extended the show cause to Dec. 14, so Sidney can come back into compliance. 

Robert Taylor is charged with unlawful entry onto private property, possession of an open container of alcohol/public intoxication, second-degree theft, and a bail violation in three cases.

Taylor, 55, wasn’t present for his hearing. 

According to a PSA report, Taylor has been out of compliance since July 18, and was rearrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer. 

Judge Fisher decided to continue the show cause on March 22, to trail Taylor’s initial status hearing in his new case. 

Judge Fisher also continued a show cause for Demetrius Fultz, who is on probation for unlawful possession of liquid PCP and possession with intent to distribute PCP. 

According to Fultz’s probation officer, he is in complete compliance with his probation conditions. He has been unable to complete his community service hours because CSOSA is not currently scheduling community service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Judge Fisher scheduled Fultz’s next hearing for Dec. 8. Fultz’s probation will end on Dec. 12, as long as he continues to meet his probation conditions.

Abu Bakarra Wurie, 25, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license. 

According to the PSA, Wurie has come into compliance with all of his release conditions and has verified his address. 

Judge Fisher discharged Wurie’s show cause order. 

John Sullivan wrote this article.