Judge Reschedules Hearing for Man Charged With Armed Burglary

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 7, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On July 7, a DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a bond review hearing for a defendant charged with first-degree burglary.

On March 28, Antione Pierce allegedly broke into his girlfriend’s neighbor’s apartment on the 1600 block of 17th Street, SE and took jewelry while armed with a handgun. 

Pierce was initially absent from the courtroom but eventually called in, saying he did not know his hearing was rescheduled from an earlier date.

The prosecution wanted Pierce to receive GPS monitoring and a stay away order to provide a sense of security to the victim, who has not returned to his apartment since the burglary occurred.

The complainant asked in a letter that these conditions be put in place, which had not been after an initial ruling by Judge Juliet McKenna on March 30.

Defense attorney Sellano Simmons argued that GPS monitoring would do nothing to alleviate fear, as the complainant himself would not be able to see where Pierce is. He said a stay away order would be enough, considering his client has fully cooperated with the court since his arrest.

The prosecution disagreed, saying the complainant would feel more secure knowing Pierce is being tracked by law enforcement. He also said Pierce probably would not have been released had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given Simmons had only been assigned to Pierce’s case shortly before the hearing. Judge Michael O’Keefe said that he ought to have more time to talk with the defendant and collect information on the case.

The hearing is scheduled to continue on July 8.