Judge Continues Two Sex Abuse Cases

On Oct. 29, a DC Superior Court judge continued a defendant’s two sex abuse cases for a possible global plea deal.

The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse in one case and misdemeanor sexual abuse in another.

The defendant picked up both cases on Sept. 6. The two incidents reportedly happened less than an hour apart.

In his first case, the defendant allegedly followed the victim from the Georgia Avenue Metro station to her apartment building, where he assaulted the victim and tried to sexually abuse her in the building’s lobby at 2:06 p.m. A witness who walked into the lobby began yelling at the defendant, causing him to flee the building, according to court documents.

At 2:50 p.m., the defendant allegedly began inappropriately touching a female victim at the Georgia Avenue Metro station.

Defense attorney Russell Hairston asked Judge Julie Becker to continue his client’s hearings. He said there was new evidence that he and the defendant had to review before the case could proceed.

Judge Becker scheduled the defendant’s next hearing for Nov. 24.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial, but he said it was a close call.

Davon Patterson is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 46 year-old Bryant McClain, who was fatally shot June 8, 2019, on the 800 block of Crittenden Street, NW. Patterson, 29, was charged in March.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective was shown a video where multiple gunshots can be heard. Soon after, a person is seen running.

The detective said she believed that person to be the defendant.

The detective said multiple witnesses identified Patterson as the shooter. During a search of Patterson’s basement, police seized a glass valve containing PCP as well as two firearms found under his bed.

During cross examination, defense attorney James King asked the detective if either of the firearms found under Patterson’s bed is the one connected with this crime. The detective said that neither of them was.

However, one of the firearms was connected to a homicide that happened in Virginia. MPD did not interview the defendants who were arrested for that crime.

Also, during cross examination, the detective said the passenger side of the window of McClain’s car was shattered with blood, the same blood was found in the car. No DNA or fingerprints came back as a match to Patterson.

The prosecution argued that four different witnesses identify Patterson as the one who shot and killed McClain.

However, King argued that Patterson’s identification is based on hearsay.

“Witness four was looking to make a deal which is completely biased,” he said. “There is no other witness that corroborates what these witnesses say.”

The prosecution said that between the four witness accounts, each gave substantial information about their knowledge of the defendant.

“I agree with the defense that there are limitations to the identifications, but there are four people who identify the witness as the shooter,” Judge Robert Okun said.

Due to the firearms found in Patterson’s house along with prior drug and weapon possession convictions, Judge Okun decided to keep Patterson held in DC Jail.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Robbery Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a robbery case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Richard Naylor, 30, is accused of robbing a victim of his cell phone on a metro bus heading to the Mt. Vernon metro station on June 30.

During the Oct. 29 hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective corroborated the statements made in court documents about the events of the crime and explained to the prosecution how the victim picked the defendant out in a photo array.

Defense attorney Stephen Logerfo tried to show Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage, but due to technical difficulties, could only show still images.

He asked the detective if there was any dirt on the back of the victim from being pushed to the ground, of which the witness was unsure. He also asked the witness if the victim had said he had traveled to the Mt. Vernon metro station in his statement. The witness was also uncertain.

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable evidence based on the witness’s testimony. She then scheduled a felony status conference for Feb. 18. In the meantime, Naylor will remain held at DC Jail.

Documents state that the victim followed Naylor out of the metro and eventually onto the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, where he tried to get his phone back after the alleged robbery. Naylor allegedly pushed the complainant to the ground before robbing him of $150. The victim flagged down an officer and Naylor was arrested.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.

Prosecution May Offer Plea, Prompting Judge to Continue Hearing

On Oct. 29, a DC Superior Court judge continued a status hearing in a felony assault case so the prosecution could possibly extend a plea offer.

Melvin Beal is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault on a police officer while armed.

On Oct. 8, Prince George’s County Police Department Officers were pursuing a vehicle they suspected of being carjacked. Beal, 18, allegedly got out of the vehicle and shot at the officers at 36th Place and Alabama Avenue, SE.

The prosecution requested a month to draft a global plea offer before moving forward in the case. Judge Julie Becker scheduled Beal’s next court date for Nov. 30. In the meantime, he will remain held.

Maansi Srivastava wrote this article.

Plea Deal Hearing Set for Robbery and Assault Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge continued an Oct. 28 hearing so that parties can seek a resolution to the case.

The 61-year-old defendant is charged with robbery, aggravated assault and third-degree sex abuse after he allegedly assaulted another sleeping homeless woman in June on the steps of a church on the 1500 block of 16 Street, NW.

The prosecution and defense attorney Susan Borecki said they have come to an agreement on a plea deal and need an official date to accept it.

Judge Julie Becker scheduled a plea deal hearing with the case judge, Judge Neal Kravitz , for Nov. 23.

In the meantime, the defendant will remain at DC Jail.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Issues 2 Bench Warrants During Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over 11 pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 28.

Judge Rainey Brandt revoked a defendant’s probation and ordered her taken into custody for violating her release conditions.

In March, Jaquelin Davis was sentenced to one year fully suspended plus one year of probation for attempted robbery. She was also sentenced to 90 days, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation for bail violation.

Since then, the 26-year-old defendant has been a loss of contact and has violated Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency’s (CSOSA) conditions multiple times.

Davis is scheduled for another hearing on Dec. 1.

Rob Smith is charged with unarmed carjacking and carrying a pistol without a license. Smith, 20, who is currently under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), has reportedly violated his release conditions.

Because of this, the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) asked that he be removed from HISP.

Smith’s defense attorney, Sabitiyu Abou, said that some of the violations occurred because of a death in the family.

The prosecution and Judge Brandt were sympathetic to Smiths’ circumstances. Judge Brandt decided to put him on home confinement.

“If you leave your house for any reason, if I get so much as one more violation from PSA, I will lock you back up,” she said.

Cornelius Mclendon and Tawayne Weaver were both in violation of their CSOSA conditions by testing positive for PCP.

According to CSOSA, Mclendon, 33, tested positive for having traces of PCP in his system. Though Mclendon has frequently been sporadic with his compliance with CSOSA, he has recently started to show progress and takes responsibility for his recent relapse.

Mclendon showed up in court, taking full responsibility for his violations and expressing his desire to pursue inpatient treatment.

“Right now, I am very impressed by your decision making power; good luck to you, sir,” Judge Brandt said.

Mclendon’s probation hearing will be continued after his treatment is finished in 28-30 days.

Shanti Parson, 69, is charged with simple assault, a bail violation, and possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance.

“Miss Parson does not appear to want to comply or receive any help,” a PSA representative said. “Our hands are tied with what we can do.”

Parson’s defense attorney, Jaqueline Williams, requested that she be given a week to become compliant and take her medication. Judge Brant agreed and ordered that Parson return to court for her next show cause hearing on Nov. 4.

Judge Brandt continued probation hearings for defendants Darnelle Crawford, Davon Boyd, 23, and Clarence Lambert.

Crawford appeared online instead of in person for his probation hearing. Because of the confusion regarding Crawfords’ in-person appearance, his hearing was rescheduled to Oct. 30.

Judge Brandt issued bench warrants for defendants Deshawn Jackson and Quintin Brown, who failed to appear in court for their hearings.

Jackson, 21, is charged with second-degree theft and Brown is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

This article was written by Emily Pengelly.

Document: Suspects Arrested for Burglary and Receiving Stolen Property

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested five people in connection with an incident that happened on Oct. 28.

At around 8:34 p.m., suspects forced their way into an establishment the 1000 block of F Street, NW. They then allegedly took property and fled the scene. Some of the suspects were apprehended by responding officers.

Three people were arrested for second-degree burglary. One of them was also arrested for possession of a prohibited weapon.

Also on Oct. 28, two Maryland residents were arrested for receiving stolen property. One of them was also arrested for feeling a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle and no permit.

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Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Robbing an Establishment

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has made an arrest for a robbery that occurred on Oct. 29.

At around 12:55 a.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 300 block of Hawaii Avenue, NE. The suspect took money from the cash register and the victim’s car keys. The suspect attempted to flee the scene in the victim’s vehicle, but was apprehended by officers.

MPD arrested a 19-year-old and charged him with robbery and first-degree theft (stolen auto).

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Burglary, Additional Suspects Sought

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect for second-degree burglary.

At around 9:35 p.m. on Oct. 28, suspects forced their way into an establishment on the 5600 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. They then allegedly took property and fled the scene. One suspect was apprehended by responding officers.

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Judge Holds Five Defendants at Initial Hearings

On Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur held at least five defendants and released at least 10 defendants during initial hearings.

Judge Arthur held Henke Lima on a felony robbery charge. Judge Arthur noted Lima had a pending case involving a misdemeanor charge for possession of a controlled substance.

Lima, 30, requested to represent himself during the proceedings, but Judge Arthur denied that request. He told the defendant the request could be addressed at the next hearing.

Romeo Ramirez was held in a fugitive matter stemming from an armed carjacking charge in Maryland. Ramirez waived his right to an extradition hearing agreeing to be held for three business days so that Maryland authorities could pick him up from the DC Jail.

Another fugitive defendant, Vincent Alston, waived his right to an extradition hearing, opting to be held for Maryland authorities to retrieve him. He is wanted in connection with a first-degree assault case.

Judge Arthur decided to hold Orlando Johnson on an unlawful firearm possession charge with a prior conviction. According to court documents, Johnson, 37, was searched by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers after reporting a stolen vehicle. The officers found a handgun on his person, and he was arrested.

Delonta Hawkins was held after Judge Arthur found probable cause. Hawkins, 38, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Hawkins is accused of shooting the victim in the back, which the prosecution argued was clear intent to kill. Court documents state Hawkins told the victim “I should kill you,” after initially shooting her.

Of those who were released, seven have misdemeanor charges and three have domestic violence misdemeanor charges. One defendant was released with a weapons possession charge. A final defendant was released on personal recognizance to deal with a fugitive matter in Maryland.

The misdemeanor charges included GPS tampering, drug possession, assault, weapons possession and destruction of property. All of these defendants were released on various conditions which included checking in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and stay-away or no-contact orders.

The domestic violence charges included misdemeanor sexual abuse, sexual assault and assault. All the defendants were released with stay-away orders. If violated, they could be charged with contempt of court.

Additionally, the court dismissed another fugitive matter as well as continued a case because the defendant is still in the hospital.

This article was written by Maria Marzullo.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with a second-degree burglary offense that happened on Oct. 28.

At around 4:50 a.m., suspects forced their way into an establishment on the 2500 block of Champlain Street, NW. Once inside, they took property and fled the scene. One of them was apprehended by responding officers.

On Oct. 28, a 45 year-old resident of Northwest was arrested for second-degree burglary.

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Document: Police Seek Suspect in Connection to Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in connection to a second-degree burglary that occurred on Oct. 27.

At around 1:00 a.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE and took property before fleeing the scene.

The suspect can be seen in the photos below.

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Document: Juvenile Arrested for Assault with Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a 14 year-old suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon as well as leaving after colliding and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

On July 18 at around 11:50 a.m., the suspects and the victims were involved in a traffic accident on the 1400 block of 5^th Street, NW.

One of the suspects allegedly brandished a handgun, fired at the victims and fled the scene. The victims were not injured.

The juvenile suspect was arrested on Oct. 28.

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Defendant Sentenced Under Youth Act for Gun and Drug Charges

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for a drug offense and a gun offense under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

Anthony Barnes pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in exchange for the prosecution dropping his charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm. In another case, he pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in exchange for the prosecution dropping his felony contempt charge.

“I know it wont be easy, but I’m committed to becoming a better person,” the 20 year-old told the judge.

The prosecution also agreed to dismiss a third case, in which he was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

“He’s so young,” the prosecutor said. “This could be a turning point.”

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Barnes to 12 months in prison, all of which was suspended besides the time he has already served by now, plus one year of supervised probation for the drug charge.

She also sentenced him to 12 months with all but six suspended, plus one year of supervised probation for the pistol charge. He will receive credit for time served.

Parties spoke about how Barnes used the time he has spent at DC Jail for self reflection during the Oct. 28 hearing.

Defense attorney Thomas Lester said his client “turned to his community for a sense of identity and belonging, which sometimes is a good thing and sometimes is a bad thing.”

Since Barnes was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements.

The prosecutor supported the defense’s request for the YRA. She pointed out Barnes is an intelligent individual with a history of advanced placement classes and family support.

“It’s frustrating when young, smart people make bad decisions,” the prosecutor said.

Barnes’ sentences will run consecutively, but his probation will run concurrently.

Conditions of the probation include alcohol and drug testing and any other treatment if recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA,) a mentoring or young adult program, seeking employment, participating in a job skills training program if he is not employed and 90 hours of community service.

Barnes must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund for each of the charges.

This article was written by Andrea Keckley

Judge Orders Competency Screening for Kidnapping Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ordered a preliminary screening to determine if a defendant charged with first-degree child sex abuse and armed kidnapping is competent to stand trial.

The defendant’s sex abuse charge stems from a 2018 case. He picked up the kidnapping charge earlier this month.

The 22-year-old is charged with kidnapping in connection with an incident that occurred on the 400 block of Chaplin Street, SE on Oct. 7. According to court documents, the defendant along and another suspect, who pleaded guilty to murder, allegedly used tasers to subdue the victim before stabbing his hands. Then, the two allegedly handcuffed the victim and took him to the basement of their apartment building before taking the victim’s money, credit cards and car.

The victim was reportedly held in the basement for two to three hours before being released.

During the Oct. 28 hearing, defense attorney Heather Pinckney asked that her client receive a psychiatric evaluation in regard to the kidnapping case. She says the defendant has a severe mental health condition and is unable to stand trial.

Judge Julie Becker agreed to the request and scheduled another mental observation hearing for Dec. 10.

The defendant was arrested on the day of the incident.

As a result of the investigation, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also arrested 27-year-old Bernard Coleman III for armed kidnapping, armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree theft and second-degree theft in connection with the incident. At the time, Coleman was wanted for allegedly escaping from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital while awaiting sentencing for his father’s homicide.

He is now charged with armed kidnapping and prison breach.

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