Metropolitan Police Department detectives arrested a 29-year-old woman in connection to a sexual abuse.
On Aug. 15 on the 4000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW a 29-year-old woman approached the victim and made unwanted sexual contact with the victim and then fled the scene.
She was arrested and charged with third degree sexual abuse.
Parties held off scheduling a preliminary hearing date for a defendant charged with murder for the stabbing death of a 42-year-old man.
Michael Dolson, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the stabbing death of 42-year-old Kenneth Thomas, Jr. On March 14, officers were alerted of a stabbing inside of Cloud Lounge located on 1919 9th Street, NW. Upon arrival, officers located Thomas barely conscious and suffering from puncture wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital an hour later, according to court documents.
During the Aug. 15 proceedings, parties expressed concern over setting a preliminary date when the case has not been indicted.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt set a new status hearing for Oct. 14
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt arraigned co-defendants Dijon Williams and Daivion Williams on conspiracy, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and carrying a pistol without a license outside home/business.
The charges stem from a homicide on July 21, 2020, when Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW. Upon arrival, officers found 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas suffering from a gunshot wound.
During the Aug. 15 felony arraignment hearing, defense attorneys David Knight and Pierce Suen pleaded not guilty on behalf of Dijon and requested the prosecutor’s evidence to be turned over to the defense, including parts of the Grand Jury transcripts.
“We really do need the transcripts from the Grand Jury,” Knight said.
Defense attorney Andrew Ain also pleaded not guilty on behalf of Daivion and made the same request as co-counsel.
“The government is willing to turn everything over to the defense,” the prosecutor said. She said she intends to provide body worn camera evidence as well as parts of the Grand Jury transcripts.
Ain introduced a motion to release Daivion under the high-intensity supervision program (HISP).
“I had a lot to think about in the 24 days I have been locked up,” the Daivion said. “If you release me, I will try 100 percent to be perfect. My plan when I do go home is to work from home in customer service, answering phone calls.”
Ain argued that if Daivion is released, his girlfriend, who was in the courtroom, has a home in Georgia where he could stay.
“Wow, I did not expect to hear those words coming from you. Thank you,” Judge Brandt said. “Despite how articulate you were, I will not be letting you out today, but I am not completely closing the door at a later date. If I were to release him, and I’m not saying I will, but I would be more comfortable with him staying in the District of Columbia.”
The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19.
Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 19-year-old Nelson Davis in connection to the homicide of 45-year-old Jason Ford on Aug. 15.
The offense occurred on June 25 on the 1700 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE.
Davis is being charged with second-degree murder while armed.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt rescheduled the sentencing in a case involving the sexual assault of a minor.
Jerry Barton pleaded guilty on March 8 to one count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor.
The sentencing was set to occur on Aug. 12 but couldn’t be completed as the court did not have results from a test to determine the defendant’s risk of committing another sexual offense.
“There are some issues that have come up that you just need to understand, so I don’t want to rush through that,” Judge Brandt said.
Barton, who has been on pretrial release since Sept. 30, 2019, appeared in plainclothes in court.
At a previous hearing, the parties met in court and Judge Brandt ordered that the Court Services and Supervision Agency (CSOSA) conduct the test. Defense Attorney Anthony Matthews said he conducted a test on behalf of the defense, but CSOSA did not perform one for the court.
During Friday’s hearing, Matthews was dismissed as a result of a miscommunication. Defense Attorney Thomas Healy is slated to assume the role of Barton’s attorney.
Judge Brandt set a status hearing on Aug. 24 in order for Barton and his new attorney to acquaint themselves with the case.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 14, at approximately 9:45 p.m., on the 3900 block of 4th Street, SE.
MPD officers responded to the location for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers found 41-year-old Cynthia Stewart inside of a residence, suffering from apparent stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department shot a suspect believed for be involved in a domestic violence incident near the 1900 block of Mississippi Avenue SE on Aug. 12.
Rahman Mills, 29, was shot and charged with aggravated assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun arraigned a defendant on first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying concealed weapons outside a home or business in violation of the 2nd Emergency act of 2014.
Samuel Mack, 56, allegedly shot 35-year-old Erica Ward in an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE on Dec. 30, 2020. According to court documents, the two used to be in a relationship and began arguing the night after Mack brought their son over to visit. Mack was apprehended that same night. He was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) the following March where he is not permitted to leave home from 9pm-6am.
During the Aug. 10 felony arraignment hearing, defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman pleaded not guilty on behalf of Mack and requested the court extend Mack’s curfew by one hour so that Mack would have more time to finish a carpet installation job in Maryland. Cadman said Mack is in full compliance and that his work often requires him to stay late.
“It could go much later than 1opm but he could really use that extra hour,” Cadman said.
The prosecution opposed extending Mack’s curfew.
Judge Okun held off on making a ruling because there was no pre-trial services representative present during the hearing.
“Honestly, I need to hear from pre-trial so we’re going to have to pass this until pre-trial is here,” Judge Okun said.
Mack is currently scheduled to stand trial in June 2024. The trial is expected to last one to two weeks.
The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18.
During an Aug. 10 hearing, a defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder while armed in two homicide cases.
Rasheed Young, 44, fatally shot 26-year-old Cedric Rogers on June 11, 1996, on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE. Young also fatally shot 39-year-old Ronald William Richardson, Jr. on May 18, 2018, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.
“I’m ready to plead guilty today, your honor,” Young said.
A plea offer was placed on the record during an Aug. 5 hearing, but DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued the case to allow defense attorney Kevin Mosley to discuss the plea offer with the defendant.
Young was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed for Rogers shooting and second-degree murder while armed for Richardson’s shooting.
According to court documents, Rogers and Richardson both suffered from multiple gunshot wounds to the body and succumbed to their injuries despite life-saving efforts.
Richardson’s family was also present via WebEx and expressed frustration with the prosecution’s plea offer.
“There is no justice for the Richardson family or the Rogers family,” Richardson’s sister told the court. “I’m asking you, your honor, to please reject this plea offer.”
Judge Okun conditionally accepted the plea offer but stated he will not officially accept the plea offer until he has heard from the victim’s families and has viewed the pre-sentencing report.
Young is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 14.
Tierra Posey was acquitted of all charges on March 20, 2024.
Defendant arraigned on homicide charges during an Aug. 12 hearing.
Tierra Posey, 24, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license in connection with the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Tia Carey on Jan 6, 2020, on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.
The attorneys asked for more time to continue plea negotiations.
According to Posey’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, a counteroffer was given to the prosecution yesterday.
DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled Posey’s next court appearance for Sept. 16 to review the status of negotiations.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun decided to continue a status hear Aug. 12 for a felony domestic violence case.
A sex abuse defendant is charged with second-degree sex abuse of a minor, three counts of second-degree sex abuse of a minor with aggravating circumstances, and attempted second-degree of a minor with aggravating circumstances.
Judge Okun granted a mutual continuance to give the defendant time to consider a plea offer from the prosecution.
The defendant was originally charged in 2020, but the case experienced many delays due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The indictment on multiple abuse counts took place in February 2022.
The defendant’s next hearing was scheduled for Aug. 18.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 11, on the 2000 block of Florida Avenue, NW.
At approximately 9:31 p.m., MPD officers responded to a location after hearing the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers found two male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One of the victims succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The decedent has not yet been identified.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied the defense’s motion to release a domestic violence and sex abuse defendant after his preliminary hearing was rescheduled for Aug. 22.
The defendant is charged with first-degree sex abuse for assaulting his former girlfriend, who is currently pregnant with their child.
At the Aug. 9 hearing, Will Alley of the Public Defender Service, replaced Russell Hairston as defense counsel due to an administrative issue that prevented the preliminary hearing from going ahead as planned on Aug. 5.
Alley filed an oral motion for the defendant’s release until the preliminary hearing, arguing that the defendant was concerned about missing work, had to support his pregnant girlfriend, and attend rehabilitation appointments for injuries to his ribs, neck and shoulder.
“I have great concerns with releasing him to go back to facilitate that relationship,” the prosecutor said, explaining that the defendant’s girlfriend was the victim in question and expressing concern that the defendant would re-assault her.
“He had his hands around her neck on the sidewalk until a bystander intervened,” she said.
The prosecutor added that the defendant is on probation for three separate cases, one of which was a plea deal for misdemeanor sex abuse. The prosecutor said the plea effectively dismissed another case that involved the defendant’s former girlfriend.
Alley argued that the victim would not be at risk because there is a stay away order from the victim and her residence. The defendant resides with his mother.
“We’re not asking to modify the release conditions,” Alley said. “He would provide financial support through an intermediary.”
Judge Brandt denied Alley’s request, citing the severity of the case as “a rape case” and questioning his “ability to follow directives” based upon at least two prior criminal convictions involving sexual misconduct and two cases in which his probation was revoked.
“What happens after the prelim, we’ll see,” Judge Brandt said. “The court will have the opportunity to see just how strong the government’s case is.”
The defendant interrupted Judge Brandt before she finished explaining her ruling. The U.S. marshals led him out of the courtroom as he shouted at the judge.
Judge Brandt presided over the hearing in place of DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee.
D.C. Witness data shows that sexual assault cases adjudicated in DC during the first half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021 found more sexual assailants are strangers than friends and family.
Of the cases, one-third of adjudicated sexual assault cases, approximately 11 out of 34 cases, in DC that were adjudicated during the first half of 2022 were perpetrated by strangers to the victim, nearly double the percentage from the same time frame in 2021.
On May 26, Kenneth Pollard pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse and second-degree burglary in one case involving an incident that occurred in 2021 and misdemeanor sex abuse in another case involving an incident from 2020. The misdemeanor sex abuse case stems from an incident on Feb. 14, 2020, in which Pollard, 54, approached a woman at a bus stop and groped her.
On Aug. 31, 2021, Pollard “assaulted a female stranger and asked her to have his baby” while she was waiting at a bus stop in Lower Central Northeast, according to the prosecution. He proceeded to put her in a chokehold and continued to repeat that he wanted her to “have his baby.” The victim was able to flee into a nearby cafe but Pollard was able to assault her again, dragging her through the building.
“While the defendant was dragging the complaint he reached into her shirt, fondling her breasts,” the prosecutor said. He dragged her outside, and the assault continued until bystanders were able to intervene.
The entire assault was captured on surveillance video. Pollard told the court during his sentencing that at the time of the assault, he was on PCP. He told officers on the scene that he assaulted someone but does not remember specifics.
The largest percentage of reported sexual assault cases in the first half of 2021 were perpetrated by friends and acquaintances of victims, constituting more than one-third of 33 reported cases. However, the largest percentage of cases during the same time period in 2022 were perpetrated by strangers, according to D.C. Witness data.
In one case, a 31-year-old assailant was sentenced to 90 days in jail for misdemeanor sexual abuse on June 6. According to court documents, he assaulted a woman in an apartment complex located on the 1700 block of R Street, NW. The assailant was also sentenced to serve 18 years on supervised probation.
Despite this change in the relationships between defendants and victims, the majority of adjudicated sexual assault cases in DC, approximately 83 percent in 2021 and 67 percent in 2022, continue to be perpetrated by someone with whom the victim is familiar.
D.C. Witness previously reported about a 52-year-old defendant charged with second-degree child sex abuse for allegedly abusing his two preteen goddaughters in May 2021. According to court documents, the defendant allegedly admitted to touching the victims inappropriately, but says he does not know what happened beyond that. He was arrested two weeks after the alleged crime.
D.C. Witness also analyzed the ages of sexual abuse victims in adjudicated cases from 2021 and 2022, finding the majority of victims of adjudicated sexual assault cases in DC, approximately 55 percent in 2021 and 62 percent in 2022, were adults.
However, despite making up less than half of adjudicated sexual assault cases, children continue to be particularly vulnerable to assaults by family members, family friends, and associates of parents and guardians.
There were 16 total adjudicated cases with child victims in the first half of 2021 and 13 reported cases with child victims in the same time period of 2022.
Editor’s note: This report is limited to sexual assault cases that have been adjudicated at the DC Superior Court during the first half of 2021 and 2022, between the months of January and June. The report is not indicative of all sexual assaults in DC within that time period.
Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a traffic fatality that killed a 66-year-old West Virginia man.
At approximately 4:11 p.m., after leaving the 23rd Street underpass a driver of a Nissan Altima was moving southeast on Virginia Avenue, NW. Outside of a crosswalk, a pedestrian started to cross Virginia Avenue from northbound E Street when the pedestrian was struck by the Nissan, suffering serious injuries.
The decedent was identified as Timothy Fingarson.
