Judge Issues Two Bench Warrants During Pretrial Hearings

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A DC Superior Court judge presided over ten pretrial show cause hearings on Sept. 21.

Judge Julie Becker issued bench warrants for the arrests of Gene Hayes and Marquise McFadden after they failed to appear in court. 

Hayes, 65, is charged with possession of cocaine. 

According to a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative, Hayes never checked in with the agency after being released in August. 

Hayes’ attorney, Raymond Jones, has been unable to reach his client. 

McFadden, 20, is charged with robbery while armed with a knife. 

According to pretrial reports, McFadden is currently being held in Virginia. Judge Becker said she issued a bench warrant to serve as a detainer because McFadden has not complied with any of his release conditions. 

Judge Becker continued a pretrial show cause hearing for a defendant charged with possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. 

According to the representative, 20-year old Amari Johnson has failed to come into compliance with his conditions. 

The representative said his relative answers the phone and says that the defendant refuses to come to the phone. 

Johnson’s attorney, Sweta Patel, asked Judge Becker to give her client an opportunity to come back into compliance. 

Judge Becker decided to give Johnson one more chance, saying she expects “big improvements.” 

Judge Becker scheduled Johnson’s next hearing for Oct. 8.

Judge Becker also continued a hearing for a weapon and drug possession defendant. 

Andre Wallace is charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

According to the representative, Wallace, 57, has not been in full compliance with his GPS requirements. He has made detours while going to doctor appointments.

The prosecution asked for revocation. However, Wallace’s attorney, Anne-Marie Moore explained that Wallace now understands exactly what he has to do and is capable of being compliant. 

Moore asked Judge Becker to give Wallace a curfew because he has a potential chance for employment.

Wallace must show PSA paperwork showing proof of employment. Judge Becker said she will continue to have Wallace on home confinement until the work papers are turned in.

Judge Becker scheduled Wallace’s next hearing for Oct. 19.

Judge Becker discharged a show cause hearing for a defendant charged in seven different cases. 

Rodrigues Key is charged with possession of PCP, unlawful entry onto private property, second-degree theft, shoplifting and a bail violation. 

According to the PSA representative, Key, 28, has come into full compliance with his release conditions. 

The prosecution asked for the conditions of release to be continued and the defense agreed. Judge Becker granted the request.

A status hearing for Key is scheduled for March 17, 2021.

Judge Becker continued a show cause hearing for a second-degree theft defendant 

Rodre Holloway, 22, did not show up to his hearing. His defense attorney, Martin Rosendorf could not get in touch with him. 

According to the PSA, Holloway last reported to them on Sept. 9. 

The PSA also mentioned that Holloway currently lives in Virginia. 

Judge Becker continued the hearing to give Rosendorf more time to get in touch with his client. 

Judge Becker scheduled Holloway’s next hearing for Oct. 1. 

Judge Becker continued a show cause hearing for an assault defendant after the defendant and the defense counsel did not appear.

Andre Ruddock is charged with simple assault. Ruddock, 41, allegedly punched a man at the Metro Station Metro Center Entrance on March 21. 

According to the PSA, Ruddock has been a loss of contact.

Ruddock’s attorney, Joseph Fay, was not present at the hearing either. Judge Becker scheduled the hearing for Sept. 25 in order to reach defense counsel. 

Judge Becker continued a show cause hearing for Ronald Gooding, who is charged with destruction of property less than $1,000. 

According to the PSA, Gooding, 26, has never been in contact with them. Gooding’s defense attorney, Steven Polin, said he was never given any contact information to reach his client. 

The prosecution requested a bench warrant because of Gooding’s absence in court. 

Polin argued that Gooding has no criminal history. He asked for time to reach his client. 

Due to the charge, Judge Becker granted the defense’s request. 

Judge Becker scheduled Gooding’s next hearing for Oct. 21. 

Judge Becker continued a hearing for a defendant charged in three cases.

Darryl Matthews is charged with unlawful entry onto private property and a bail violation. 

According to the PSA, Matthews, 37, has not reported to them since the beginning of March. 

Matthews was not in court but according to his attorney, David Cumberbatch, Matthews had no knowledge that he had to be in court today. 

Judge Becker will give Matthews a chance to appear before a bench warrant is issued. 

Judge Becker scheduled Matthews’ next hearing for Oct. 5. 

Judge Becker discharged a show cause hearing for another defendant.

Morton Perry is charged with robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, destruction of property $1,000 or more, fleeing a law enforcement officer, leaving after colliding property, possession of an ammunition feeding device and unlawful possession of ammunition. 

According to the PSA, Perry has only recently gotten back in touch with them. 

Perry explained some personal issues that he’s recently dealt with that has kept him from being in full compliance. 

The prosecution requested for Perry to be put on home confinement because of his prior history of compliance while under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

“The request for HISP is overkill,” said Perry’s attorney, Wole Falodun. “He has not committed any crimes for over three years now.”

Judge Becker agreed with Falodun. However, she advised him to remain compliant. 

Judge Becker scheduled Perry’s status hearing for Oct. 8. 

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