‘Keep Up the Good Work,’ Judge Tells Shoplifting Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 8, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge found a defendant competent to stand trial in all five of his cases on July 8.

Joseph Chambers is charged with shoplifting, unlawful entry onto private property and a bail reform act violation. 

Judge Michael Ryan commended Chambers for his progress, telling him to “keep up the good work” and encouraging him to engage in his mental health classes and continue taking his medications.  

He is currently being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, where he will continue to stay so that he can continue receiving treatments.

“You’ve been doing well and you’re to be congratulated,” Judge Ryan said.

Chambers was charged with unlawful entry charge Sept. 13 for allegedly entering a grocery store on the 1300 block of Potomac Ave, SE from which he had a five year ban.  Two weeks later, he was charged with unlawful entry and shoplifting on Sept. 25 for an incident that took place the previous day at a Safeway on the 1800 block of Bay Street, SE. Two days after the last incident, he was charged with unlawful entry on Sept. 27 for an incident that occurred at a different Safeway on the 1100 block of 4th Street, SW.

Chambers’ next court date is scheduled for Sept. 2.