Judge Schedules Hearing for Child Sex Abuse Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a status hearing for a defendant charged with first-degree sex abuse.

The 18-year-old defendant allegedly forcibly raped a 10-year-old victim in an apartment building located on the 3600 block of Hayes Street, NE on May 27.

The defendant is currently being held at the New Beginnings Youth Development Center. However, defense attorney Pierce Suen said that his clients commitment at New Beginnings will end on Jan. 8.

The defense is attempting to get the defendant accepted into the Wayne Housing Program, which will provide shelter and transition to adulthood services. This will allow him to continue with school and work at a part-time level.

However, Judge Juliet McKenna isn’t prepared to release the defendant based on the circumstances.

“I am frankly concerned about the lack of structure and monitoring from these programs,” said Judge McKenna. “Because this is a case with a very young complainant, I would be very concerned to release him into Wayne place.”

The prosecution also said the defendant should be held at a secure facility rather than a transitional program.

Suen asked Judge McKenna for more time to make a formalized plan and submit it to the court. Judge McKenna scheduled the defendants next court hearing for Dec. 30.

Judge Dismisses 27 Cases During Extradition Hearings

On Dec. 9, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples heard 38 extradition hearings, where all defendants were charged with being fugitives from justice from various jurisdictions.

Of the 38 cases, Judge Staples dismissed 27 per the prosecution’s request.

One of the defendants, Jonathan Fenwick, was held by Judge Staples for Maryland authorities to pick him up within three business days.

The prosecution requested thirty-day extensions on three cases as they are still waiting on paperwork from the demanding jurisdictions. Judge Staples granted these extensions, giving the demanding jurisdictions until Dec. 14 to pick them up.

One of the defendants, who was in the hospital, and was unable to turn himself in to authorities in North Carolina. Judge Staples granted the extension for his case. Authorities will have until Dec. 14 to pick him up.

Seven defendants failed to appear for their extradition hearings. They also did not surrender to the demanding jurisdictions. Judge Staples issued bench warrants for their arrests.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Thanksgiving Homicide

On Dec. 9, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 27-year-old male in connection to a fatal shooting in Northwest, DC.

Ernest Cleveland was arrested for second-degree murder while armed and assault with the intent to kill. He allegedly shot 39-year-old Edward Pearson on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Nov. 26.

According to a press release, officers located Pearson inside his apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. He died on the scene. There were two additional male victims in the hallway who were also suffering from gunshot wounds. They were treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.

Cleveland has also been connected to charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon offense, carrying a pistol without a license, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of unregistered ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession with the intent to distribute the drug known has ecstasy.

Judge Schedules Hearings For Murder Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled hearings for three murder defendants in two separate cases.

Judge Michael Ryan scheduled a status hearing for George Anderson on April 14.

However, defense attorney Joseph Wong said that a report from the mental examination found his client was “not criminally responsible” for the crime.

Anderson, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Devin Butler. The incident occurred on April 13 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

With the results of the mental examination, Wong said he plans to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on behalf of his client and requested a status hearing before the projected April date.

Judge Ryan said he presumed the parties would prefer to have a bench trial in front of Judge Todd Edelman, who is the calendar judge assigned to the case. However, the court calendars will change in the new year, so there is no guarantee that Judge Edelman will be assigned to the case next year, Jusge Ryan said.

Judge Ryan suggested that counsel set a date in April in order to ensure the case would stay on track, but told Wong and the prosecutor that they need to reach out to Judge Edelman and schedule a sooner date directly with him.

Judge Ryan’s courtroom clerk does not have access to Judge Edelman’s schedule.

Judge Ryan also scheduled a trial readiness hearing for two murder defendants on Jan. 19.

Demonte Hewitt, 18, and Kurt Hewitt, 20, are both charged with second-degree murder while armed in the 2018 stabbing of Tyshon Perry. Perry was stabbed on the 1300 block of 2nd Street, NE on May 1, 2018.

Both defendants are also implicated in a three-person co-defendant matter where they are charged with kidnapping.

The kidnapping cases is also scheduled to be heard on Jan 19.

However, Demonte’s defense attorney, James King, said he would need more time to file motions. Co-counsel Amanda Rogers suggested that the deadline for the defense motions be set on Feb. 1. She said the later date would also give the prosecution time to prepare a response.

The prosecutor agreed to the deadlines.

Rogers also raised an issue with Judge Ryan concerning physical evidence that was transferred to the defense in November 2019. One of the defendants requested DNA evidence testing so the item was sent to the defense’s lab.

However, the prosecutor said she has not received any information about the status of the test since she sent it last year.

Rogers assured the prosecutor that she would include that in her motion if the defense does not receive any information from the lab.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

November Homicides Decrease from October, Count Still High

Even though the homicide count was lower than October, the overall count still showed an increase from the year before.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 18 homicides in November, two less than October. However, as of Nov. 30, Washington, DC had a homicide count of 189 for 2020. There were 170 homicides by Nov. 30, 2019, showing an 11 percent increase.

Of the 18 homicides, three resulted from stabbings and 15 resulted from shootings. Police have apprehended five suspects, including Antoine Turner who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Demeitri Anderson and 34-year-old Demetrius Benson on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE and the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE, respectively.

Benson was killed on Nov. 3 and Anderson was killed on Nov. 29.

According to court document, Benson was shot at a McDonald’s in Southeast, DC. Anderson was shot thirteen times. A rented car from Enterprise was used in both homicides.

Turner, 27, is scheduled for a hearing on Dec. 23. He is being held without bail.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for November Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect who is wanted in connection to a homicide that occurred on Nov. 18.

According to a press release, the suspect allegedly entered a resident that was under construction on the 1600 block of Olive Street, NE. The suspect brandished a gun, shot 49-year-old Elias Flores, a resident of Adelphi, Md., and rook property the scene. The victim succumbed from their injuries on Nov. 23.

The suspect is 26-year-old George Miller, a resident of Capitol Heights, Md. He was arrest for first-degree murder while armed.

Judge Vacates Hearing in Burglary Case

On Dec. 9, a DC Superior Court judge vacated a status hearing in a burglary case.

Deonte Little, 23, allegedly robbed the same residence on the 5200 block of 5th Street, NW on three separate occasions. On Aug. 18, 2018, items stolen from the house included an iPad, a cell phone, a set of car keys, a laptop and the home owner’s manual for a Toyota Corolla. On Oct. 13, 2018, Little is accused of stealing an Android cell phone and charger, house and car keys and a Toyota Camry. On Oct. 18, 2018, he is accused of taking an alarm system, an Amazon kindle, an Xbox 360, a Droid cell phone and a Nissan Versa.

During the Aug. 18 and Oct. 13 incidents, the homeowner was asleep while the offense was taking place. During the Oct. 18 incident, the homeowner returned home and noticed that his basement window was broken and his door was wide open.

Little pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary on March 13. He has been held in DC jail since charges were filed on Jan. 1.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case, Holds Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial and held the defendant at DC Jail.

Cory Brown, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting his girlfriend, 40-year-old Latasha Estep, with a crossbow on the 1900 block of Good Hope Road, SE on Aug. 8.

“He is seen leaving the scene, weapon in hand shortly after the incident, his appearance matches the person leaving the scene and the person in the footage is wearing identical clothes to what Mr. Brown was wearing when he was arrested,” Judge Todd Edelman said during the Dec. 8 hearing. “And there is evidence regarding the motive in terms of the decedent ending their relationship,” Judge Edelman said for these reasons he found probable cause that the defendant was involved in the homicide.

The prosecutor also showed the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective surveillance footage from outside the victim’s apartment on Good Hope Road, SE, photographs of the crime scene and of Brown at the time of his arrest, and text messages between Brown and the victim.

The detective testified that on the day leading up to the shooting, the victim was ending her relationship with Brown, citing multiple text messages that allegedly show the victim saying, “I don’t trust you,” with Brown responding “I’m not going to hurt you,” before the victim tells Brown that she is not going to pay his phone bill anymore.

The prosecutor also showed the detective multiple photographs of the scene. The detective pointed out the boxes of crossbow arrows in a crib next to the victim’s bed, four small holes in the wall behind the bed and one large crossbow that was allegedly used by Brown.

After viewing surveillance footage, the detective pointed out one smaller crossbow in the man’s hand as he left the building before he got into the victim’s car and left the area.

The detective also said, an MPD officer responded to the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE for the report of a man with a knife, who appeared to be suicidal. The detective said a witness, who is a member of Brown’s family, called the police after Brown entered their home and asked the witness to “put him out of his misery.”

The detective testified that when MPD officers arrived, Brown put his hands forward and asked the officers to cuff him. However, at the time, the officers were unaware of the incident and told him to put his hands down.

Photographs of Brown at the time, show him wearing a white shirt with reddish-brown stains on its front.

Officers had responded to a domestic violence call at the victim’s apartment on Good Hope Road in the past.

During the homicide investigation, police also discovered the victim’s body when they went to the apartment to check on the victim, the day after the incident.

According to the detective, shortly after arriving at the victim’s apartment, MPD officers placed Brown under arrest. When the victim’s car was searched on Stanton Road, police found a small crossbow on the floor of the passenger side of the car.

A witness told the detective that Brown was acting paranoid and said there were people outside trying to get him. A witness told Brown to “go home to your lady,” but Brown allegedly said he couldn’t go home and she isn’t there.

Defense attorney, Ronald Resetarits, asked the detective if he received any forensic reports on the DNA found on the scene or on Brown’s shirt. The detective testified that he had not received any forensic reports on the DNA evidence.

Resetarits argued that there is no forensic evidence linking Brown to the incident. He also said, even if Brown was involved, there is evidence that he is suffering from a mental health condition and may have been hallucinating at the time.

“The government has clearly proven probable cause,” Judge Edelman said.” In terms of the mental health issue raised, I think it’s relevant, but I don’t think the evidence was developed in a way that comes anywhere near what it would take to defeat probable cause.”

The prosecutor asked for Brown to be held, due to the nature of the crime, and Brown already being on pretrial release in a domestic violence case involving the same victim.

But, Resetarits argued that Brown has a good education, work history, and many of his prior convictions are relatively old.

Given the arguments, Judge Edelman chose to hold the defendant at DC Jail.

“There is ample evidence of dangerousness here, the judge said. “The court has already found probable cause and, at the time he committed this offense, he was on pretrial release for threatening the same victim.” Judge Edelman also cited Brown’s five other assault convictions between 2007 and 2015 as reasons why the defendant cannot be released.

Brown’s next hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2021.

You can read more about the case in this Washington Post article from August.

Document: Police Seek Vehicle of Interest in Murder Case

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are seeking the public’s assistance to identify a vehicle of interest in connection to a homicide that occurred on the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE on Dec. 7.

Around 9:23 a.m., MPD officers responded to the listed location in response to a report of a person down. Upon arrival, they found a male identified as 30-year-old Anthony Orr, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The MPD has released photographs of a vehicle of interest, a possible 2020 Kia K5, that can be seen below. Police say the vehicle could be missing a passenger side window.

Document: Suspect Sought in Armed Bank Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and FBI are seeking a suspect connected with an armed bank robbery offense that occurred on the 1300 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Dec. 5.

Around 10:06 a.m., the suspect entered a SunTrust Bank while brandishing a knife, and demanded currency from the bank teller. The teller did not comply and the suspect fled the scene.

The MPD has released a video of the suspect, which can be seen below.

Document: Police Search for Suspect and Vehicle in Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance to identify a suspect and a vehicle used in a burglary offense on the 4400 block of 7th Street, NE.

According to a press release, on Dec. 7, the suspect entered an occupied residence, took property and fled the scene.

The suspect and the vehicle the suspect was driving was caught on surveillance footage, which can be seen below:

https:youtube/ZBMsCrBV8d4

A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered to anyone who has can give the police information that will lead to an arrest and indictment. Anyone with knowledge of the incident should call the police at 202-727-9099 or text the department’s text tip line — 50411.

Crime Alerts: December 8-9

The Metropolitan Police Department released four crime alerts from the afternoon on Dec. 8 to the morning of Dec. 9.

The most recent crime alert was sent at 10:45 p.m. for a stabbing on the 1600 block of T Street, SE. Police have not apprehended any suspects, nor do they have a description available for the the suspect.

Before that, a crime alert was sent out at 4:53 p.m. for another stabbing on the 800 block of H Street, NE Police are looking for a black male who is heavyset and wearing gray sweat pants.

At 4:43 p.m., police sent out an alert for a shooting on the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Police are looking for a newer model black Nissan and an older model black Cadillac.

Police sent out another alert at 1:14 p.m. for a shooting on the 100 block of W Street, NW. Police are looking for a dark colored blue Ford Crown Victoria and a teal Mercury Grand Marquis.

Anyone with information should call 911.

DC Judge Holds 2 Defendants, Releases 17 During Initial Hearings

On Dec. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples held two defendants, released seventeen and continued one case during initial hearings.

Douglas Chambers is held as a fugitive from justice for a Virginia matter after he failed to appear at his extradition hearing on Nov. 25 in DC. Chambers was previously released from DC Jail on July 14 on the condition that he turn himself into the demanding authorities in Virginia, but he failed to do so. Chambers will be held for three business days for Virginia authorities to retrieve him. If they fail to do so, Chambers will be released and a hearing will be scheduled for him in DC.

Another defendant is held as a fugitive from justice for a Tennessee matter, in which he has an underlying charge of sex assault. He is held due to the severity of the alleged offense. The Tennessee authorities have three business days to retrieve him, unless they show cause for needing an extra three business days. If they fail to retrieve the defendant within the allotted time, he will be released, and another hearing will be scheduled for him in DC.

Of the 17 defendants released, seven of them are charged with felonies. Five of the defendants were released on their personal recognizance with orders not to possess or own a firearm or ammunition, one of whom was also given a stay away order. Another defendant was brought in on a bail violation for failing to appear at court and was released with an order to get back into compliance with the conditions of his release.

Five defendants with charges of domestic violence were released on their personal promise to return to court. Four of them were also given stay away orders.

Three defendants charged with misdemeanors were released with stay away orders. One of the defendants is also charged as a fugitive from justice and is ordered to turn himself in to the demanding authority.

In addition to the misdemeanor defendant, two other defendants charged as fugitives from justice were released with orders to turn themselves in to the demanding authorities.

One defendant charged with lewd, indecent or obscene acts is currently hospitalized and his initial hearing is continued to Dec. 9.

This article was written by Maansi Srivastava.

Judge Discharges 8 Defendants, Revokes One Probation

A DC Superior Court judge discharged eight hearings, continued two, issued two bench warrants and revoked a defendant’s probation during show cause hearings on Dec. 7.

Judge Robert Okun discharged the probation show cause hearing for a defendant who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of liquid PCP in 2018.

Avery Clayborne was given two years supervised probation for his charge. He was given time to come into compliance during his last show cause hearing on Oct. 22. A Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) representative reported that Clayborne has come into complete compliance with GPS requirements, reporting to his case manager and attending treatment appointments.

Judge Okun also discharged a hearing for a defendant who has come into complete compliance with his conditions of probation.

Kristopher Shrewsbury pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction back in March 2019. Judge Okun asked probation to notify parties of updates for his pending matter in Montgomery County, Md.

The pretrial show cause hearing for Clifton Clinton was discharged due to his marginal compliance.

The 50-year-old was charged with robbery in February. He picked up two dead GPS battery violations on Nov. 11 and 15.

Clinton is currently under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). The judge continued Clinton on the same pretrial release conditions.

The pretrial show cause hearing for Michael West was discharged because he has come into compliance with his conditions.

The 23-year-old was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business in May. During a Nov. 4 hearing, West’s conditions of release were modified to be more strict and he was placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). He remains in HISP and is compliant.

The judge discharged a hearing for a defendant charged with possession of a controlled substance due to him coming into compliance.

Fransoir William-Johnson, 23, received three notices on noncompliance on Sept. 30, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. The judge ordered him to verify his address to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) office.

Judge Okun discharged a show cause hearing for Freddy Reyes, who is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm.

The 25-year-old received a notice of noncompliance with pretrial release conditions on Nov. 17. The judge discharged the hearing because he is in marginal compliance. However, Reyes is ordered to report to the PSA office to verify his address today.

The hearing for Cornell Nicks, charged with second-degree burglary in August 2019, was discharged because he has come into compliance.

The 60-year-old received dead GPS battery violations in October and on Nov. 5. The judge denied the defendant’s request to step down his conditions of pretrial release.

Judge Okun also discharged the hearing for Dajuan Blakney due to him coming into compliance with his conditions of probation.

Blakney pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in September 2019 and received 18 months supervised probation. On Nov. 17, a notice of noncompliance was filed against him for his failure to report for GPS monitoring. On Nov. 24, he complied with GPS monitoring conditions.

The judge continued a probation show cause hearing for Leonard Mayrant, who is not in total compliance.

Mayrant pleaded guilty to second-degree theft on Feb. 24 and was remanded to one year supervised probation with drug testing requirements. His attorney, Ralph Robinson, informed the court of the defendant’s re-arrest in Leesburg, Va. The case was continued to trail. The defendant’s re-arrest is set for a hearing on April 19, 2021.

A probation show cause hearing was continued for Gary Datcher because he is not in total compliance and needs to make improvements.

The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to attempt to commit robbery and simple assault on July 19, 2019. He was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) and was given 18 months supervised probation.

To date, Datcher missed one check in with a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) officer and there was an issue with a dead battery for his GPS. He also appeared to the show cause hearing via Webex although he was specifically instructed to show up in person. The continued hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7.

A bench warrant was issued for Ronnie Turner for his failure to appear and for his lack of contact since he was charged.

The 50-year-old was charged in September with distribution of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Two notices of noncompliance were filed against him on Oct. 23 and Nov. 18. The bench warrant was issued with a cash or surety bond where the defendant can pay 10% for his release.

The judge issued a bench warrant for James McKnight due to his failure to appear at a status hearing, pretrial show cause hearing and probation show cause hearing scheduled for three of his cases.

The 36-year-old is charged with GPS tampering, a failure to charge, in one case. A bench warrant was issued in this case for his failure to appear at a pretrial show cause hearing on Sept. 28. In his second case, he is charged with tampering with physical evidence. In his third case, McKnight pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sex abuse on March 6 and was given one year supervised probation. A bench warrant issued on Aug. 14 for his failure to appear to a show cause hearing for his third case.

Judge Okun discharged the show cause hearing and terminated Malcolm Cobb’s probation as unsuccessful because he said he feels like the defendant is being overwhelmed.

Cobb was convicted of second-degree theft on March 25, 2019. He was given one year supervised probation and the requirement to seek drug and mental health treatment. Since his last show cause hearing on Oct. 5, multiple notices of noncompliance have been filed against him. According to his attorney, Chris Langello, Cobb entered drug treatment and completed it on Nov. 5.

The judge approved a defendant’s entering into a diversion agreement.

Taha Ahmed was charged with second-degree theft, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle on Nov. 6, 2016. If he successfully fulfills all of the ordered conditions, there may be an agreement in which his charges will be dropped. The case is continued for the completion of the agreement.

Defendant to Serve 2.5 Years for Robbery

On Dec. 8, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve two and a half years for robbery.

Nevada Barnwell, 19, pleaded guilty to the charge back in January. His other unarmed carjacking charge was dropped.

According to court documents, the defendant robbed a man of his moped and sprayed him with mace on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on June 2, 2019.

Judge John Campbell sentenced him to 48 months, 18 of which were suspended, plus three years of supervised probation. He will receive credit for time served.

As part of his probation, Barnwell must undergo drug testing and not use marijuana while on probation. The judge also ordered Barnwell to follow up with DDCC, re-enroll with Community connect or a Department of Behavioral Health program, participate in mentoring services, take a parent skills course and take a GED Preparation course.

Judge Campbell decided against sentencing Barnell under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would have effectively sealed his case once he completes his requirements. He did say that he hopes the defendant will take advantage of the programs required by the terms of his probation.

Barnwell must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund and $500 in restitution to the victim.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.