Robbery Convict Resentenced After Release Violations

Jerome L Jackson appeared in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno’s courtroom on Sept. 26 for a resentencing hearing.

Jackson, 20, also known as Daman Hudson, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted robbery on Feb. 4, 2022. Then he was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples to 12 and 14 months concurrently on the charges, granted six months credit for time served for each, with three years supervised release under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The law effectively seals a youthful offender’s conviction if he successfully completes the term.

On Aug. 6, 2022, Judge Staples amended his sentence to 12 months supervised probation under the YRA. Six months later Jackson was declared noncompliant with his release conditions including failure to submit drug tests, failure to attend violent acts program, failed alcohol testing, non compliant with GPS tracking, missed phone calls with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), and failure to complete 90 hours of community service.

On Oct. 23, 2023, he was taken into custody after several more notices of noncompliance were filed.

At Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution argued that Jackson’s record shows his past convictions have not deterred him from committing similar offenses. The prosecutor asked for Jackson to serve his full sentence and it be consecutive with any other convictions imposed.

In response, defense counsel, Andrew Ain, argued Jackson is a product of his environment growing up in a dangerous community. Further, he is already being punished for transgressions and has shown efforts of good faith by pleading guilty.

After deliberation and statements from both parties, Judge Salerno ruled that Jackson would serve his original sentence, plus additional time any on other charges.

Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Judge Orders Detention

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled to keep a defendant in custody on Sept. 30 because of safety concerns after he waived his rights to a preliminary hearing.

Danta Forter. 47, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the Metro Center Station on the 600 block of 11th Street, NW that occurred on July 1. The victim was injured to the extent his intestines were protruding from a stab wound to his lower abdomen.

According to court documents, a video camera captured the stabbing as an individual, later identified as Foster, followed the victim off a train car. The two were engaged in a verbal argument when the suspect approached and stabbed the victim.

Quo Judkins, Foster’s attorney, informed the court that the defendant waived his rights to a preliminary hearing. She requested that Foster be released, noting that DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro had previously agreed to release Foster to a mandatory inpatient drug treatment in a separate case.

“The incident was a very violent stabbing,” countered the prosecution. She emphasized that the stabbing was unprovoked and Foster did not know the victim. The prosecution also pointed out that Foster had two undisclosed pending cases and a probation in Maryland at the time of the stabbing.

The prosecution asked for Foster to be held due to the violent nature of his actions and his criminal history.

Judge Raymond believed there were no reasonable conditions that could be applied to the defendant to keep the community safe and she ruled to keep Foster held.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 29.

Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied a defense motion to dismiss charges after the prosecution requested a trial postponement to the unavailability of a key witness during a hearing on Sept. 30.

Darin Anthony, 58, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 400 block of W Street, NW, on Sept. 11, 2023. One victim was injured in the incident.

Prosecutors alerted Judge Arthur they needed to delay the trial due to a key witness’ unavailability to testify. As a result, Jamison Koehler, Anthony’s attorney, requested the judge dismiss the case.

According to Koehler, this is not the first time the prosecution has faced witness availability issues.

Judge Arthur denied the motion, but stated if the issue continues he would be entertain a motion to dismiss.

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12, 2024.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Shooting Case

On Sept. 30, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a pre-indictment plea offer extended by the prosecutor before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Koby Ham, 25, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 2 on the 1300 block of Savannah Street, SE.

There were two victims involved, but no injuries were reported from the shooting.

Ham pled guilty to all charges, and in exchange, the prosecution agreed not to seek an indictment.

The sentencing hearing will take place on Dec. 16.

Defense Asks to End Separation to Get Defendant Out of ‘The Hole’

Three co-defendants were arraigned on a 26 count indictment and pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Sept. 27, before a defendant’s attorney requested their separation order be vacated.

Derricko Johnson, 20, Ronald Henderson, 19, and Daveon Robinson, 17, are all charged with a total of 13 counts of possession of a firearm and 12 counts of assault with intent to kill. Johnson and Henderson are also charged with first-degree premeditated murder and a total of six counts of carrying a pistol without a license. Additionally, Henderson and Robinson are charged with conspiracy.

According to court documents, these charges stem from the co-defendants alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Justin Johnson at the 2000 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on May 26, 2022.

At the hearing, all three co-defendants waived their right to formal reading of their charges, pleaded not guilty, and submitted a request for release. Judge Raffinan asked for Johnson’s and Henderson’s attorneys to submit their request for release in writing. The matter of Robinson’s release will be addressed at an Oct. 16 hearing.

Lisbeth Sapristein, Henderson’s attorney, asked Judge Raffinan to remove the separation order that the Department of Corrections (DOC) had implemented between Henderson and Robinson. Sapristein said Henderson is being held in solitary confinement to abide by the separation order and it is unfair to “restrain his liberty” until Henderson’s August 2025 trial date.

Saperstein said Henderson had been in this situation before and was released from solitary confinement. She argued that because Henderson was not “in the hole” because of disciplinary action, the separation order should be lifted and he should be free to move about the jail.

The prosecution said they were against the lifting of the separation order due to the conspiracy charges filed against Henderson and Robinson. The prosecuting attorney said when Henderson was released from solitary confinement in the past, he was involved in a jail stabbing.

Judge Raffinan said she has no authority to lift a separation order that was requested by the prosecution and imposed by the DOC. Henderson’s original release from solitary confinement was a result of the prosecution’s withdrawing its request with the DOC, not the court ordering Henderson to be released, Judge Raffinan said.

Judge Raffinan asked Saperstein to file something in writing or speak to the prosecution about withdrawing its request for separation.

All parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 22.

Shooting Video ‘Spoke for Itself,’ Judge Says, Finding Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found there was enough evidence to take a shooting case to trial on Sept. 27 because of video footage of the defendant allegedly shooting the victim.

Marcus Martin, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11.

The prosecution called the lead detective in the case to testify about the investigation and video footage of the shooting.

The detective said Martin’s Community Supervision Officer (CSO) identified him as the shooter in the video.

The footage showed an individual identified as Martin arriving at an apartment entrance as the victim’s car pulled up. On seeing the car, the individual shook his head and walked out of view of the camera. After some time, the individual came back into view and waited for the victim to leave his car before shooting him. The victim was able to run away from his attacker and get help.

During cross examination, the detective said the victim could be seen reaching into his jacket pocket right before Martin shot him. He said the victim lied about the incident when police first interviewed him.

The prosecution argued there was enough evidence to find probable cause for assault with intent to kill while armed and the other charges. They said the identification of Martin as the shooter was strong and Martin’s self-defense claim was debatable because the victim said he was reaching for a phone.

Quo Judkins, Martin’s attorney, argued there was insufficient evidence to go to trial. She said the victim’s initial dishonesty with police meant the victim’s reason for appearing at the apartments was still a question.

Judkins said the victim’s reaching into his pocket right before the incident supported a potential self-defense argument.

Judge Brandt said the video “spoke for itself,” and a reasonable inference of intent could be drawn from Martin’s actions in the video.

Judkins asked the court to release Martin to home confinement with global positioning system (GPS) tracking. She argued that he had a wife and children to take care of and would comply with release conditions.

The prosecutor argued the offense was dangerous and Martin had already been identified as the shooter. He asked the court to keep Martin in detention.

Judge Brandt denied Martin’s release.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 22.

Judge Tells Defendant ‘You’re Attracted to Guns,’ Sentences Him to 30 Months

On Sept. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a defendant to 30 months in prison for a non-fatal shooting, stating, “It’s not like you’re attracted to football. You’re attracted to guns.”

Tyequan Taylor, 28, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 22, 2023, on the 500 block of Taylor Street, NW. No injuries were reported.

The prosecution requested Judge Pasichow sentence Taylor to 30 months because of the “callous nature” of the crime. They argued that Taylor brandished a firearm following an altercation at a crowded house party and fired three shots into the air on the front lawn.

They noted that Taylor has two previous firearm-related convictions in Maryland.

The defense attorney, Tammy Thom, requested a sentence of 24 months.

Taylor addressed the court and apologized to his best friend who threw the party and his girlfriend who was involved in the altercation. He stated, “I’m not a violent person. It was the drugs and alcohol that caused it.”

He expressed a desire to comply with whatever sentence is imposed and to return to his life of working and being a good father.

Judge Pasichow stated that although the defendant is taking responsibility, the impact of his actions on others is not erased. She expressed that she did not trust probation would prevent Taylor from picking up another charge, citing that this is his third firearm-related charge.

Judge Pasichow ultimately sentenced Taylor to 30 months with credit for time served and three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon, and 180 days for unlawful discharge of a firearm, which will be served concurrently. She also asked for mental health, substance abuse, and anger management evaluations.

Addressing the defendant, Judge Pasichow explained that he was alienating people and damaging the community and those he cared about.

Judge Pasichow concluded, telling Taylor, “You have the rest of your life ahead of you.”

No further dates were set.

Judge Postpones Carjacking Hearing

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow postponed a robbery defendant’s felony status conference hearing after his attorney requested extra time for the judge to review a motion to sever charges.

Christian Ware, 25, is being charged with robbery while armed, possible firearm during a crime of violence and three counts of unarmed carjacking for his involvement in an incident that occurred in June. 19, on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE.

According to court documents, the victim was driving his friend’s 2016 black Audi, when he stopped at a Popeyes’ restaurant to pick up an order. Subsequently, he noticed one suspect walk towards his car, and attempt to get in. The victim pulled the suspect out of the car which led to a physical altercation, then a second suspect appeared and threatened to shoot the victim.

During the hearing, Ware’s attorney, Varsha Govindaraju filed a motion to sever counts of armed and unarmed carjacking in that they should not be included in the same indictment. Additionally, she requested extra time for the prosecution to respond to their counter offer to a plea deal. Details of the agreement were unspecified.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 22.

Defendant Accepts Plea For Multiple Counts

A case involving multiple charges was resolved after a defendant accepted a global plea on Sept. 27 in return for prosecutors not filing an indictment.

Rashid Shabazz, 35, pleaded guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on the 200 and 300 block of 50th Street, NE. In court, the prosecution said the defendant was also charged with simple assault and threat to kidnap a person among other counts.

The defendant was calm when DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow listed the plea conditions and possible imprisonment terms and exclaimed “Yes, ma’am, I gotchu”, even though he admitted “I’m usually loud and out of control”.

Shabazz could get 20 years for felony threats, two years for unlawful discharge, 180 days for simple assault, and one year at minimum for unlawful carrying of a firearm under the plea offer along with other penalties.

In response, Shabazz, said he “want[s] to be dead”. Then the Judge asked for a check of his medication levels and said, “Take it one day at a time.”

A full report and sentencing is set for Dec. 13.

‘Whatever Decision You Make, It’s God’s Decision,’ Says Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a carjacking defendant to seven years in prison during a emotional hearing before Wilson’s family and supporters on Sept. 27.

Tykel Wilson, 22, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on April 29, 2023, on the 900 block of Allison Street, NW. Wilson committed the crime while on probation for two other incidents, including armed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Wilson was sentenced on both previous cases under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). That means if sentencing, probation, and all special conditions are met then Wilson’s conviction record would be sealed, and the minimum sentencing guidelines could be waived.

The prosecution requested Judge Salerno consider Wilson’s criminal history and the nature of the crime, asking for the top third of the sentencing guidelines, 104 months for each charge.

Defense attorney Joseph Fay asked for a sentence under YRA guidelines not exceed 72 months. He stated that Wilson had low self-esteem and self-worth, but could see Wilson was capable of rehabilitation.

Wilson’s supporting family members took up three rows of seats in the courtroom.

Tykel’s mother discussed how the family was struggling with the recent death of her son, Tykel’s brother. She spoke about how Wilson didn’t get to attend his funeral and how her son started to rethink his recent actions.

“I love you Tykel. You are a good son. You know that,” she said, displaying her sweatshirt with all of the Wilson family. “These are my children…I don’t want these years to fall off.”

“Our family has been through a lot this past year,” Tykel’s sister said. “With the murder of our brother, I just want [Wilson] back home. He’s the glue.”

Before sentencing, Judge Salerno stated that he appreciated Wilson’s family’s support, but all he could do was determine how long Wilson’s sentence would be, not to give him a chance at coming home.

“With the Youth Act, you get the benefit of the doubt. However, according to his record, instead of things getting better, they seem to be getting worse,” Judge Salerno said, emphasizing that both the Youth Act and pre-sentencing committees recommended incarceration. “He has already had several chances which created new cases. The problem with this is that it creates new victims.”

Therefore, the judge said the previous YRA terms would not apply to the current sentencing.

“I want to apologize to my family. I miss my family. To the victim I also apologize. I realize it was a mistake,” Wilson said. “Whatever decision you make, it’s God’s decision,” he continued.

Judge Salerno sentenced Wilson to 84 months in prison for carjacking and 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He said the time was the minimum sentencing required under the guidelines for the charges. Due to the plea deal, both sentences could be carried out at the same time.

“You will still be young when you get out, and you will have the support of amazing family and friends,” the judge said.

Wilson’s mother asked Judge Salerno how many years 84 months was, and when she learned it was seven, she let out a devastated sigh as though she lost another son.

“He can do so much better than being incarcerated,” Wilson’s grandmother said, “He needs time to grow.”

Some Wilson family members reacted emotionally and left the courtroom immediately after the sentencing. Tears were shed as Wilson was led away in handcuffs by the US Marshals.

No further dates have been set in this case.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 14-year-old juvenile, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in a shooting that occurred on Sept. 22, on the 1600 block of Benning Road, Northeast. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the juvenile male victim, who was injured and then transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Document: MPD Investigating Child s Death as a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the death of 1-year-old Journee Moore, that took place on Sept. 28, on the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue, Northwest, as a homicide. Upon responding to reports of a child in cardiac arrest, officers discovered the victim who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: MPD Searching for a Southeast Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) requests the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting that took place on Sept. 28, on the unit block of Potomac Avenue, Southeast. An adult female sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Dee Monte Pernell Chase, that took place on Sept. 28 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, Southeast. Three others sustained injuries.

Document:MPD Investigating Fatal Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the death of 28-year-old Marc Butler Jr., who died from gunshot wounds. The incident occurred on Sept. 27, on the 1300 block of South Capitol Street, Southwest.