DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found that the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) violated a subpoena by not giving evidence to parties in a murder case on Nov. 14.
Jerome Dukes, 34, and Justin Borum, 36, are charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jayvon Jones on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE, on Feb. 21, 2023.
Dukes’ defense attorney, Brandi Harden, alerted the court that she had not yet received evidence from the prosecution regarding a witness’ licensing as a Special Police Officer (SPO), even after Judge Park issued a subpoena for the evidence.
The prosecution said that the DLCP has been having technical issues with retrieving and sending the information. A prosecutor also said getting responses from the agency has been an ongoing problem throughout this case.
Judge Park ordered representatives from DLCP to appear at the next hearing because the agency has not complied with the initial subpoena.
During the hearing, Harden also asked for un-redacted files so she could have access to the contact information of witnesses. She said she has reason to believe some of them are lying about their licensing with DLCP.
“I have a right to investigate this,” Harden said.
Judge Park did not rule on the matter, telling parties to resolve it among themselves.
Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 3.
