Defendants Plead Guilty to Gun Possession Charge

On Nov. 2, two defendants entered a plea of guilty before Judge Rainey Brandt for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Weslee Wilkinson, 18, and Azion Johnson, 20, were originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting three people attending a cook-out on May 29 at the 5100 block of Fitch Street, SE. Johnson was previously charged with carrying a pistol without a license as well.

The prosecution offered a plea deal that included lesser charges on the condition that both defendants must accept it.

Defense attorneys, Julie Swaney and Sellano Simmons, requested that their clients be released from DC Jail before sentencing.

Swaney said that Wilkinson has not attended high school for the past four months and asked that her client be placed on home confinement so he can continue his education.

“While I can appreciate these two young men stood up and did the adult thing by confessing their criminality, they both possessed guns during a shootout,” said Judge Brandt.

The request was denied despite the defendants’ limited criminal history. Both Wilkinson and Johnson will return to DC Jail to await their sentencing date.

“I know hearing that you will continue to be detained crushed your spirit a little,”said Judge Brandt. “But I need you to push through that and remain strong.”

Their sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 16 on Judge Brandt’s request that it take place before the holidays.

Sierra Robbins wrote this story.

Judge Issues Seven Bench Warrants, Continues 2 Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge issued seven bench warrants, continued two hearings and revoked one probation during pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Nov. 2.

Judge Gerald Fisher issued a bench warrant for a defendant’s failure to appear to his pretrial show cause hearing.

James Turner, 50, is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm. He allegedly has not been reporting to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and has yet to verify his address. His defense attorney, Sharon Weathers, made representations that her client suffers from mental health issues and is homeless.

A bench warrant was issued for Marico Wright, for his failure to appear.

Wright pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distrust a controlled substance on Sept. 21, 2016. As part of his sentence, he was put on two years supervised probation. A notice of noncompliance with his terms of probation was filled on Oct. 5.

A bench warrant was also issued for Devon Brown, who failed to show up to court and has not been in compliance with the terms of his probation.

Brown pleaded guilty to attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP on Oct. 4, 2019. He was given one year of supervised probation. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Sept. 28. According to his probation case manager, Brown has yet to pay what he owes to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund. He also has been re-arrested on drug distribution charges in Arlington, Va.- where he remains held.

The judge issued a bench warrant for Eric Thorne, due to his absence in court today and noncompliance.

The 29-year-old is charged with unlawful entry on private property. Notices of noncompliance were issued on June 30, Aug. 13 and Sept. 22. According to PSA, he has not connected with mental health services because he has not renewed his insurance. He has also been a loss of contact with the agency. The last time PSA made contact with him was on June 3, a representative told the judge.

A bench warrant was issued for Jerome Benton due to his failure to appear.

Benton, 39, is charged with assault on a police officer, simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm in one case. He is on probation in another, where he pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a prohibited weapon on Oct. 2, 2019. In both cases, he has received multiple notices of noncompliance with conditions.

In his probationary matter, a previous bench warrant was issued on Jan. 9.

Judge Fisher also issued a bench warrant for Christopher Christian for his failure to appear to his pretrial show cause hearing.

The 39-year-old is charged in five cases. In the first case he is charged with contempt and a violation of a condition of release. In the second and third cases he is charged with bail violations. He is charged with simple assault in his fourth case and possession of a controlled substance in his fifth.

PSA said that he has not been reporting in any form to their office. Christian’s defense attorney also failed to appear to court today.

A probation show cause hearing was continued for Ronell Brown on April 5, 2021. The hearing was continued to give Brown enough time to get into compliance with the terms of his probation.

He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm on Oct. 25, 2018. At sentencing he received two years supervised probation. A notice of noncompliance was filed on June 16.

A second defendant’s hearing was also continued by Judge Fisher to see if a defendant will comply with his conditions of release. The judge also ordered the defendant to physically go to the PSA office today.

The 47-year-old defendant is charged with simple assault and sex abuse in two separate cases. He has not been reporting to PSA and multiple notices of noncompliance were filed in both cases.

Judge Fisher set a status hearing for Jan. 19 for a defendant charged in two separate cases with misdemeanor distribution of marijuana and distribution of a controlled substance, respectively. The judge also quashed the defendant’s bench warrant in her misdemeanor case.

Monique Thomas, 51, received a certificate of completion from the Federal City Recovery Services drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. She plans to continue her addiction and mental health treatment and her progress will be verified in the future status hearing.

Judge Fisher also ruled that if Byron Anderson’s drug tests come back negative, and he pays the amount owed to the victim’s compensation fund, his probation will be terminated as successful.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance on Oct. 20, 2016. His probation was revoked on Aug. 21, 2018.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Robbery, Still Searching for the Other

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made an arrest and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating another suspect in a robbery offense that occurred on Oct. 31.

Two suspects approached a victim at approximately 1:11 a.m. on the 2000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. One of the suspects waved a bottle and assaulted the victim. Both suspects took the victim’s property and fled the scene.

A 20-year-old male was later apprehended by the police.

A second suspect was captured on a surveillance camera and can be seen in the photos below.

The MPD is currently offering a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. If anyone has information, please call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip anonymously to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

https://beta.documentcloud.org/documents/20401524-11220-arrest-made-and-suspect-sought-in-an-armed-robbery-bottle-offense-2000-block-of-georgia-avenue-northwest

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Robbery Defendant to 40 Months in Prison

On Nov. 2, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a robbery defendant to a little over three years in prison with 10 months suspended along with two years of probation.

Deangelo Johnson was originally charged with unarmed carjacking, however, it was changed to robbery.

On June 15, Johnson, 23, pushed a man off of a moped and drove off with the vehicle on the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

“I don’t have medical insurance,” said the victim. “The damage to my head and neck was bad, I could hardly sleep.”

The prosecution recommended a total of three years of incarceration for the defendant because the robbery was planned. Johnson has also been convicted of robbery twice before this incident.

Defense attorney Matthew Hertz requested that Judge Julie Becker sentence Johnson to 36 months, suspending six of those months.

“Mr. Johnson admitted to the offense,” said Hertz. “but he does contend that this was something that was planned.”

Johnson apologized to the victim and acknowledged what he did.

“I take responsibilities for all my actions,” he said. “The government wants to keep talking about my past but I’m in a cell 23 hours a day because of a mistake…I know that’s my fault. Tomorrow is not promised to nobody, I’m in jail with the worst people in the world…I’ve been coming in and out of jail all my life, that’s where I learned everything from…I’m treated like an animal, I pray every night to go back and time to rewind what I did.”

Judge Becker recognized that Johnson was unsuccessful on probation in the past. Therefore, the 10 month suspended sentence will be held over Johnson’s head while he is serving the probation.

While on probation, Johnson will be required to undergo drug testing and treatment along with mental health screening, anger management classes and GPS monitoring.

He must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund.

Judge Continues Status Hearing for Murder Defendant Charged In 2018 Drive-By Shooting

A DC Superior Court judge continued a murder defendant’s hearing following new information from two cooperating witnesses who are currently being held at the DC Jail.

Torey Stockton, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed in a drive-by shooting or random shooting. Stockton allegedly shot 23-year-old Jasmine Light on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE on Jan. 17, 2018. Stockton and another suspect supposedly drove by the King Convenience Store on the 1500 block of U Street, SE, and began firing a semi-automatic Uzi at the four victims.

All four victims were taken to the local hospital where three men were treated for injuries. Light was the only victim to succumb to the wounds.

During the Nov. 2 hearing, the lead detective said he received information from two inmates at the jail, who allegedly know Stockton. The witnesses said Stockton told them he shot the victims over a stolen gun.

Lead defense attorney Rachel McCoy asked the detective if he had interviewed either of the two witnesses.

The detective said, Department Of Correction (DOC) officers carried out the interviews and he had only read the reports. The detective testified that both of the statements were consistent and accurately described the incident.

The detective also testified about the vehicle used for the shooting.

Footage from the crime scene showed the shooters in a 2012 Toyota Camry. An identical vehicle was set on fire the day after the incident, documents state. The officer also said a gas can found near the burned vehicle had incomplete DNA from a male suspect.

McCoy asked the detective if the DNA matched the defendant. The defective said the DNA found was insufficient to match a person.

The detective went on to testify regarding Stockton’s disciplinary records at DC Jail. He said Stockton had been involved in several incidents in jail and is now facing new charges from those incidents.

Stockton has allegedly been involved in five incidents that resulted in disciplinary action since early 2018. In March of 2018, the defendant was found to allegedly be in possession of an edged weapon. In July the defendant was allegedly involved in an assault, another alleged assault in November 2019, and three additional possession of contraband accusations from June 2018, July 2019 and December 2019.

Due to time constraints, the rest of the detective’s testimony had to be scheduled for another date. Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the status hearing to continue on Jan. 12.

First Time Gun Offender Sentenced Under Youth Act

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a weapons possession defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Nov. 2.

Hassan El Hawa is charged with carrying a pistol outside a home or business.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced El Hawa to nine months in jail and one year supervised probation but suspended the time. However, she imposed a six-month probation sentence where El Hawa will have to complete 45 hours of community service, register as a gun offender, complete a mental health assessment, be employed or seeking employment, or be enrolled in school and participate in a mentoring program.

El Hawa, 23, was arrested in 2019 after the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers investigated what they deemed as suspicious activity and found a firearm under his car seat, according to court documents. El Hawa was the only one arrested during that incident.

Documents also state that the defendant was not licensed to carry a firearm. Additionally, the firearm recovered from the scene was not registered in the DC area.

During the hearing, the prosecutor recommended a six-month probation period, saying they want El Hawa to be a productive member of society.

However, the prosecution opposed El Hawa being sentenced under the YRA. The prosecutor argued that El Hawa had previously come in contact with the law on a weapons offense and even though the case was thrown out, the current charge would mark the second gun offense.

Defense attorney Jacqueline Williams argued against the prosecution’s assessment saying that it is unfair for the prosecution to hold that against him when her client was not charged with anything. Williams further argued that this case is purely possessory and there was no indication of El Hawa intending to use the weapon or engage in any violent actions.

Williams urged Judge Smith to consider the YRA, saying El Hawa was just the type of defendant the act is trying to protect. She said El Hawa has been trying to enroll in higher education and find a job.

Williams said it has been difficult for her client to get a job because of this pending case.

“I really do want to change and turn my life around,” said El Hawa.

El Hawa told Judge Smith he wants to get a business degree and maybe start his own electrician business.

Maria Marzullo wrote this story.

Judge Holds 2 Assault Defendants, Finds Probable Cause

On Oct. 30, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in an assault case for two defendants.

Ryan Philip and Kameron Collins are both charged with felony assault with the intent to kill. On Dec. 11, 2019, Philip, 27, and Collins, 23, allegedly shot a victim as he was walking down the street after leaving a nightclub located on the 2100 block of Queen’s Chapel Road, NE.

After hearing the arguments from both sides, Judge Danya Dayson said there was enough evidence to grant the prosecution’s request to hold both defendants.

The case was continued from Oct. 23 after the prosecution presented the initial arguments.

The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and had to undergo several surgeries including the amputation of his leg, according to court documents. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective said the victim suffered from blood poisoning as a result of the gunshot wound.

The detective said the victim said he was running down the street when bullets hit him and hearing a “powerful car” speed away.

Both defense attorneys challenge the victim’s statements to the police.

They argued that since the victim only heard a car speeding away, the prosecution cannot prove the vehicle belonged to their client. Especially since there is no proof that a particular vehicle is unique.

However, the prosecution admitted several video surveillance clips as evidence to support the victim’s story. These clips showed a light-colored Dodge Challenger with distinct tire rims driving around the scene of the crime. The vehicle then appears to wait for the victim to leave the club and follows him down the street.

The detective testified that the flashes of light in the video appear to be muzzle flashes fired from a gun outside the vehicle. Shell casings were found at the scene.

The detective said he believes they are muzzle flashes based on the known circumstances of the case, including the victim’s body’s reaction as the car slows down next to him while the flashes of light are seen.

These events correlate with an MPD shot spotter report.

Phillip’s attorney, Jacqueline Cadman, argued the video did not show continuous footage of the vehicle and speculated that during the missing minute it is possible her client was dropped off and picked up by a family member.

Phillips previously told police that he called a family member from Collins’ phone and asked to be picked up. There is no record of this phone call.

Judge Dayson stated that while that theory is possible it is not probable. She also agreed with the prosecution’s argument that while the vehicle may not be unique to the DC area, it is unique to the other vehicles in that area at that time.

The next court date is scheduled for March 25, 2021.

Maria Marzullo wrote this story.

Defendant Receives Sentence in Robbery Case

On Nov. 2, a defendant was sentenced to serve 60 months for armed robbery.

Rayshawn Tillery pleaded guilty to robbery while armed. According to court documents, on June 5, on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was flagged down in reference to a man bleeding profusely from his face. The victim stated he was attacked and his wallet was stolen.

Tillery, 26, was identified by MPD on June 6, and taken into custody where he allegedly confessed, documents state.

During the hearing, the prosecution showed two security clips and an image of the victim’s injury.

The victim had a deep laceration on his upper lip and cheek, which required surgery. The victim said he had to undergo two surgeries and is under severe financial stress.

“I can barely eat, drink, talk…It’s kind of hard for me to look in the mirror,” the victim said during a statement he made to the court. “It’s kind of hard for me to brush my teeth.”

Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Tillery to 60 months, and five years of supervised release. He will also need to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Compensation fund.

Judge Dayson also said she will recommend that Tillery receive mental health and substance abuse treatment during and after his incarceration.

“I wish things could have been different,” Tillery said. “I accept responsibility.”

Tillery was set to also appear before the court two additional hearings in two separate cases for charges including GPS tampering and second-degree theft. But, the prosecution dismissed both cases.

Judge Appoints New Counsel After Request For Change

On Nov. 2, a defendant was appointed new counsel after she requested the change.

Natassia Kelly is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. She is requesting a new attorney for her case.

Kelly complained that her defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, has not been keeping her in the loop in regards to her trial and has been dangling plea offers in her face.

“I want this case to be resolved,” the defendant said. “I want to detail these things that happened to be put out there.”

Judge Judith Smith reminded the defendant that all cases in which the defendant is not being held have been continued until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Smith also told Kelly that requesting a new attorney will not help her case move forward at this time and will, in fact, push it back.

“Miss Kopecki has no control over this case moving forward,” Judge Smith said.

Kelly still insisted that a new attorney be appointed to assist her with the case.

Judge Smith granted her request and set a date for March. 24, when a new attorney will be appointed and Kelly’s hearing will resume.

This article was written by Emily Pengelly.

Document: Police Search for Suspects Connected to Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking suspects in connection to a homicide that occurred on Oct. 30.

At approximately 3:19 p.m., on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE, police located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Lorraine Marie Thomas, 21, displayed no signs of life, while the other only suffered from a minor injury.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information can call the police at 202-727-9099. Or, send an anonymous text to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

https://beta.documentcloud.org/documents/20401430-103120-homicide-4200-block-of-4th-street-southeast

Document: Suspect Sought in Burglary Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in connection to a robbery that occurred on Oct. 23.

At approximately 2:54 a.m., the suspect broke into an establishment on the 1500 block of 15th Street, NW. The suspect removed property and fled the scene.

The suspect can be seen in the surveillance video and photo below.

Document: Suspects Sought in a Robbery Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking suspects in connection to a robbery that occurred on Oct. 31.

At approximately 7:41 pm, two suspects approached the victim, who was on a motorized scooter on the 300 block of M Street, SW.

The first suspected assaulted the victim, and the victim fell off the scooter. The second suspect fled with the scooter, which was eventually recovered on the 1100 block of 3rd Street, SW. The victim suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention.

The suspects can be seen in the photos below.

Crime Alerts: November 1-2

Between 9 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 9 a.m. on Nov. 2, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

At 6:22 a.m., MPD sent out an alert for a robbery investigation on the 200 block of Missouri Avenue, NW. Police are looking for a short, Black female, wearing a black jacket. The second suspect is a Black male driving a white van.

An alert was sent at 1:57 a.m. for a robbery on the 4500 block of Livingston Road, SE. Police are looking for two Black males in their early 20s, 5’9″ in height, 160 pounds and with light complexions. One of the suspects is thought to be armed with a black handgun. They were last seen headed north on Livingston Road, SE in a red Hyundai Sonata.

At 10:22 p.m., another alert for a robbery was sent on the 3000 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Police are looking for a Black male between 15 and 18 years of age, 5’5″ in height, thin build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and armed with a handgun.

4 Defendants Held During Initial Hearings, Including Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge chose to hold four out of 20 defendants presented for their initial hearings on Oct. 31.

The first defendant held was 23-year-old James Flemings, who is being charged with first-degree murder while armed.

On Oct. 6, Flemings allegedly shot Michael Bright while he and another suspect tried to rob a victim on the 4500 block of Lee Street, NE.

Fleming’s co-defendant, Delonte Samuel, has already been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Judge Juliet McKenna held Flemings since she could not guarantee the safety of the community if he was released.

Another defendant is charged with second-degree cruelty to children, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, unlawful possession of ammunition and simple assault in a domestic violence case.

Judge McKenna chose to hold the 26-year-old defendant since he has a previous robbery conviction and is currently on pretrial release for another matter. In this case, the defendant allegedly pointed a firearm at the victim’s head, so Judge McKenna feared for the safety of the victim if he was released.

Derrick Freeman, 40, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and unlawful possession of PCP.

When MPD officers stopped Freeman, they allegedly discovered a stolen firearm, liquid PCP, cocaine and contents of a stolen wallet on his person.

Freeman was previously charged with distribution of a controlled substance in April of 2019, and he has had multiple rearrests since then.

Due to his criminal history, Judge McKenna ordered Freeman to be held in DC Jail pending his next hearing on Nov. 19.

The last defendant held was Walter Gibbs, 28, who is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and he is a fugitive from Maryland for an assault charge.

While Gibbs was released on the fugitive matter, he was held for the new firearm charge due to his prior convictions.

Judge McKenna released five domestic violence defendants. Four of these defendants were released with stay away orders, while one defendant was released on the order not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the victim.

One defendant, charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, was also released due to his limited and dated prior criminal history.

Two fugitive defendants were also released on the condition that they go to the county in Maryland that issued the warrants for their arrest. One is charged with simple assault and the other with a probation violation for a burglary conviction.

Judge McKenna released seven misdemeanor defendants who had been charged with assault, unlawful entry onto private property, possession of a controlled substance, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon or second-degree theft.

One traffic defendant charged with driving under the influence, operating a vehicle while impaired and driving without a permit was also released with orders not to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.

This article was written by Sierra Robbins

Document: Police Make Second Arrest in Homicide Case

Metropolitan Police Department detectives arrested another individual who is believed to be connected to a homicide that occurred on Oct. 6 on the 1100 block of 45th Street NE.

Around 9:08 p.m. police responded to a report of gunshots at the location. Officers found a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

James Flemings was arrested for first-degree murder while armed – felony murder in the shooting of 30 year-old Michael Bright.

Police also arrested 28 year-old Delonte Samuel in connection to the homicide on Oct. 29.

The case is still being investigated.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at (202) 727-9099 or send an anonymous text to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.