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Sex Abuse Defendant Arraigned on Multiple Charges

After a sex abuse defendant was arraigned on seven counts, a DC Superior Court judge decided to hold off on the defense attorney’s request to withdraw from the case.

The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree sexual abuse, kidnapping, first-degree burglary, misdemeanor sex abuse and two counts of lewd, indecent or obscene acts.

Back in June, defense attorney Steve Ogilvie filed a motion to withdraw from the case, stating that his client expressed the intention to represent himself and that there has been an “irreconcilable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship.”

Judge Robert Okun said there is “clearly an issue” between the defendant and his lawyer but will hold off on appointing new counsel until the case can be heard in front of Judge Marisa Demeo, who is assigned to the case.

An ascertainment of counsel hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15. 

The defendant was also found competent to stand trial during the Aug. 19 hearing.

Former Member of State Advisory Panel for Special Education Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a former vice-chairman of DC’s State Advisory Panel for Special Education to seven-and-a-half years in prison for child sex abuse.

“I’m struggling with the words for how bad this is,” said Judge Jonathan Pittman, who described the abuse as a “betrayal of trust.”

Back in June, Aaron McCormick pleaded guilty to first-degree child sex abuse for abusing a 13-year-old child with disabilities. The victim, who was on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), was temporarily living with McCormick in his home. The judge said the living arrangement was recommended by an organization working with the victim’s family. D.C. Witness does not know the name of the organization.

The victim’s mother spoke during the Aug. 17 hearing, noting that her daughter did not wish to attend. She said McCormick, 55, did whatever he could to get close to her family and her daughter. As a single parent, she said she saw McCormick’s help as a positive thing for her family, not expecting it to lead to abuse. She said her daughter is now receiving counseling.

The victim’s grandmother said she knew something was wrong “in the pit of my (her) stomach.”

“Justice, that’s all we want is justice,” the grandmother said.

Judge Pittman said he considered rejecting the plea deal, but did not want the victim to have to testify at trial.

The prosecutor said McCormick sexually abused the victim in nearly every room of his home and that, while the abuse was happening, he appeared on a panel and spoke about the difficulties children with disabilities face during the COVID-19 pandemic in regards to education.

“He is a sexual predator,” the prosecution said.

Defense attorney Mathew Davies noted that this is his client’s first time being convicted of such an offense and that McCormick is also a Navy Veteran and father.

McCormick also spoke at the hearing, saying he accepts the punishment he is given for his actions. He said this is the first and last time this will ever happen.

McCormick has been held at DC Jail since his initial hearing in December 2020. He will receive credit for time served.

McCormick’s seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence will be followed by ten years of supervised release. He will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years and is not allowed to have unsupervised contact with minors, elderly people or disabled people. He also cannot spend time in areas primarily used by children during that time period.

Judge Pittman ended the hearing by encouraging the victim’s family, saying that what happened to the victim does not have to define her life.

“There is hope,” he said.

Document: Juvenile Arrested for Murder

A 16-year-old juvenile male was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department press release, at about 3:11 p.m. on Aug. 18, members of the School Security Division were assisting with Safe Passage, a program meant to promote safe transportation for students in DC, when they were informed of an altercation taking place on the 1400 block of Brentwood Parkway, NE.

There, they found 15-year-old Kemon Payne suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The suspect was apprehended by responding officers. He has been arrested for second-degree murder while armed.

Document: Homicide on the 3700 block of First Street, SE

Metropolan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug. 18.

At approximately 12:58 p.m. police reported to the 3700 block of First Street, SE, due to a report of gunshot sounds. Police located an adult male victim with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle. The victim, 43-year-old Anthony Mitchell, was transported to a local hospital and later succumbed to his injuries, according to the press release.

Judge Releases Four Domestic Violence Defendants During Presentments

A DC Superior Court judge released four domestic violence defendants and one sex abuse defendant during presentments on Aug. 18.

A total of 33 defendants were presented before Judge Renee Raymond.

One defendant was charged with misdemeanor sex abuse. He was released and is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 17.

The released domestic violence defendants’ charges include contempt, simple assault, violation of a civil protection order and failure to appear. They are scheduled to return to court on Aug. 30, Sept. 7, Nov. 17 and Nov. 24.

Two homicide defendants charged with first-degree murder while armed are in the hospital and are scheduled to come to court after being discharged.

Klein Lawrence allegedly shot Vanessa Brooks-Williams on July 10. Rondez Tibbs allegedly shot Malcolm Johnson on July 21.

Crime Alerts: August 18-19

The MEtropolan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on Aug. 18 and 9:00 a.m. on Aug 19.

A crime alert was sent out at 1:02 a.m. due to a robbery in the 1300 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Police identified the suspect as a Black male wearing a white cap, dark pants and possibly a white shirt.

Document: Fatal Shooting in Northwest, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Aug. 18.

At around 12:53 p.m. that day, officers responded to the Unit block of K Street, NW, for the report of a shooting, according to a press release. There, they found 38-year-old Michael Smith inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Judge Sets Preliminary Hearing for Man Charged in 6-Year-Old’s Death

The defendant charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 6-year-old Nyiah Courtney returned to the DC Superior Court on Aug. 18, at which time a judge scheduled a hearing to determine his case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Courtney was shot on July 16 on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Five other people, including Courtney’s parents, were wounded during the shooting, D.C. Witness previously reported.

Marktwan Hargraves, 22, was arrested less than two weeks later and is now charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Judge Yvonne Williams scheduled the preliminary hearing for Sept. 23.

Two Homicide Defendants Held During Presentments

A DC Superior Court judge held two homicide defendants and released two domestic violence defendants during presentments on August 17. Two other domestic violence defendants were also held.

In total, 14 defendants were presented before the court. 

William Davenport, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 27-year-old Leonard Turner on May 14 on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW. Judge Renee Raymond decided to hold him at DC Jail.

Rodney Lindsay, 54, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 53-year-old Terrance Gause on Aug. 14 on the 700 block of Adrien Street, SE. Defense attorney Ronald Resetarits argued Lindsay was acting in self-defense after the victim threatened him and a witness. Judge Raymond decided to hold the defendant, saying there is limited information to support the defense’s claims at this time.

Both homicide defendants are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 8. 

The two other held defendants are both charged with simple assault and contempt. They are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 7.

The released defendants were both charged with simple assault. One of the released defendants returned to court on a bench warrant due to failure to appear for a status hearing. 

Judge Raymond issued a stay away order for one released defendant. They are both scheduled to return to court on Nov. 16. 

Crime Alerts: August 17-18

The Metropolan Police department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on August 17 and 9:00 a.m. on August 18.

A crime alert was sent out at 10:32 p.m. due to a shooting on the 1400 block of Montague Street, NW. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A second crime alert was sent out at 4:15 a.m. due to a robbery in the 100 block of 34th Street, SE. Police identified the suspect as a Black male who is approximately 20-24 years old, 140 pounds, with a dark complexion. He also has a beard, twist hair, and was wearing a blue shirt and black pants.

Case Acquitted: Murder Defendant Receives Earlier Trial Date

Sutton was acquitted of murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on March 23, 2023.

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a murder defendant’s trial to begin at an earlier date. 

Kaevon Sutton is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 22-year-old Aujee Tyler on March 19, 2018, on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE.

Back in March, Sutton was scheduled to go before a jury in December 2022. But during the Aug. 17 hearing, the defense requested an earlier trial date.

Judge Rainey Brandt agreed to the request, setting aside June 13 through July 1, 2022, for the trial.  

Sutton is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in this case. 

Domestic Violence Defendant Rejects Plea Offer 

A defense attorney in a domestic violence case told a DC Superior Court judge that his client has chosen to reject a plea offer from the prosecution.

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. 

After months of plea negotiations, defense attorney Donna Besley formally rejected the plea offer on her client’s behalf during the Aug. 17 hearing.

Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled a trial readiness hearing for Sept. 13.

Document: Suspect Arrested in Homicide Investigation

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives have made an arrest in relation to an Aug. 14 homicide.

At approximately 8:13 a.m. police responded to the 700 block of Adrian Street, SE, due to a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, police located 53-year-old Terrence Gause with stab wounds and transported him to a local hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed he succumbed to his injuries, according to the press release.

On Aug. 17, police arrested 54-year-old Tyrone Lindsay and charged him with second-degree murder while armed, according to the press release.

Crime Alerts: August 16-17

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Aug. 16 and 9:00 a.m. on Aug. 17.

A crime alert was sent out at 4:35 a.m. due to a robbery in the 700 block of Fairmont Street, NW. Police identified the suspect as a Hispanic male wearing a white hooded sweatshirt and green shorts.

A second crime alert was sent out at 5:20 a.m. due to an armed robbery in the 1800 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE. Police identified the suspect as a Black female with short hair wearing a long black sleeve shirt and blue jeans.