Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 31, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant after his attorney said he could not bring him to court any other way.

Melvin Rivera, 47, was supposed to appear in court on July 31. He is charged with unlawful entry onto private property, simple assault, possession of an open container of alcohol and bail violation in four cases. In two of his cases, he was found at a location from which he was previously barred by the court. 

Rivera successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program in May. Afterwards, he became a loss of contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

Defense attorney Damon Catacalos did not know the location of his client, who is homeless. 

Judge Julie Becker asked Catacalos if he thought he could potentially get in touch with his client and compel him to come to court without the need for a bench warrant.

“In all honesty, no,” he said.

Judge Becker issued a bench warrant in all four of Rivera’s cases.