Judge Issues Writ for Sex Abuse Defendant’s Presence After Prosecutors File Five-Count Indictment

By Rebecca Silverman [former] , Alisha Budhwani [former] - March 2, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Suspects | Victims |

After a sex abuse defendant was indicted on five charges, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun issued a writ for the defendant to appear in court for his arraignment, as he is currently incarcerated in Maryland.

On Feb. 25, prosecutors indicted the defendant on one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, three counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor with aggravating circumstances and one count of attempted second-degree sexual abuse of a minor with aggravating circumstances.

The arraignment was planned for March 1, but the defendant could not attend due to his detention. He had been released on his personal recognizance in this case.

Defense attorney Bernadette Armand pointed out that her client cannot flee and argued it would be inhumane to bring him to the DC Jail simply for his arraignment given the issues with the facility’s conditions of confinement.

Prosecutors informed the court that a plea offer extended two years ago is still on the table for the defendant’s consideration. Armand wanted a renewed plea deal, but prosecutors say that they will not offer a new plea deal until the defendant is present in court to accept or decline the current one.

The arraignment is now scheduled for May 11.