Judge Releases Child Sex Abuse Defendant During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 26, 2021
Court | Featured | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

One sex abuse defendant and three domestic violence defendants were brought before the court for initial hearings on March 25. 

A 39-year-old defendant was charged with first-degree child sex abuse during the proceedings. According to a press release, he is accused of having sexually abused a minor from 2014 to 2019.

The prosecution did not ask for him to be held at DC Jail, but they did want him to be placed under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) due to the seriousness of the allegations. 

Defense attorney Kevin O’Sullivan, however, asked DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan to release his client on his promise to return to court, citing his lack of any criminal history.

Judge Nolan decided to release him on personal recognizance with orders to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). His next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Three domestic violence defendants were also brought before the court: one was charged with attempted second-degree cruelty to children and simple assault, another was charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm and the third was charged with simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. 

All three defendants were released in their respective cases on their promise to return to court with orders to report to the PSA. However, the third defendant has a pending fugitive case, scheduled for March 26..