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By
Beatriz Canals [former]
- October 20, 2022
Court
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Daily Stories
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Sex Abuse
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Sexual Assault
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DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee released a sex abuse defendant from the DC Jail and ordered him to home confinement during an Oct. 20 preliminary hearing.
The 24-year old defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse for an incident in which he attacked a stranger. On Sept. 23, the defendant allegedly locked the victim in a janitor’s closet and attempted to sexually assault her.
During the Thursday hearing, the defense attorney Megan Allburn said the defendant would waive his right to a preliminary hearing.
Allburn also filed a motion to release the defendant, saying he has no prior record and has viable employment in Maryland.
He has “very strong family support,” Allburn said in reference to the defendant’s mother and brother, who were both crying in the courtroom during the hearing.
This is “a very emotional moment for them,” she stated.
Judge Lee focused on a “very troubling set of facts” and said he was concerned with protecting the victim.
The prosecution argued for the defendant’s detainment, saying any woman is at risk as the victim.
“This is quite a way to start one’s criminal life,” he said about the defendant’s lack of a prior criminal record.
Allburn responded that releasing the defendant presented an “opportunity for intervention” in order to address his depression and alcohol-use.
The defendant will only be allowed to leave home for medical emergencies and court appointments. Since the defendant resides in Maryland, he is not allowed to enter the District of Columbia except when attending court proceedings.
“I don’t have to do what I’m doing today,” said Judge Lee. “Anything other than compliance results in jail.”
The next status hearing is scheduled for Nov. 17.