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D.C. Witness Staff
- January 10, 2022
Court
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Daily Stories
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Probation
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Sex Abuse
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Sexual Assault
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Suspects
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Victims
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A defendant pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor sexual abuse.
On Sept. 14, 2021, a woman was walking her dog in Southeast, DC when Darnell Peoples started following her, according to court documents. He approached her from behind and grabbed her breast and buttocks. The next day Peoples started following another woman. He approached her from behind, grabbed at her clothing and pushed her to the ground before eventually fleeing.
Peoples, 19, was initially charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse, assault with intent to commit third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of misdemeanor sexual abuse. He pleaded guilty to the third-degree and misdemeanor sexual abuse charges during a Jan. 10 hearing after making a deal with the prosecution.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a study to assess if Peoples should be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which would allow his case to be effectively sealed if he completes the requirements imposed on him.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21.
Peoples currently faces probation revocation in two other cases in which he was convicted of misdemeanor sexual abuse. A probation show cause hearing for those cases is scheduled for Jan. 27.
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