Plea Deal Hearing Continues to December

A defendant’s hearing was continued to December by a DC Superior Court judge because the defendant had questions about plea deal paperwork that he was required to sign.

Jordan Therman, 21, is charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and unlawful possession of ammunition. On May 2, 2019, Therman was allegedly involved in a shoot-out at a Shell Gas Station on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE, which resulted in one person being hospitalized.

During the Dec. 2 hearing, Judge Danya Dayson asked the defendant to sign the paperwork. When she got to the page that details the facts the prosecution would have proved if the case had gone to trial, Therman objected to the statements.

Judge Dayson scheduled an additional hearing on Dec. 29 to continue the plea hearing because the court was running short on time.

Therman has been held in DC Jail since May 25, 2019.

While detained, Therman also picked up a simple assault charge after being involved in a fight with three others within the correctional facility. This new case is also included in the plea agreement.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Reschedules Sentencing After Expressing Concern Over Plea

A burglary defendant’s sentencing was postponed to Dec. 30 after a DC Superior Court judge expressed concern about the defendant’s understanding of the plea deal he previously accepted.

In February, 41 year-old Thomas Powell pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary for stealing a currency dispenser from a Subway on the 20th block of M Street, SE on Dec. 30, 2019. The prosecution’s deal allowed him to plead down from his original charge of second-degree burglary.

Since then, Powell has been on standby, waiting for the judge assigned to his case to approve the plea.

During the Dec. 2 hearing, Powell appeared to demonstrate a lack of full understanding of what the plea deal means for his case and the sentence he would receive.

“Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?” Judge Julie Becker asked him.

“Do you want me to be honest, ma’am,” replied Powell, “because I’m not sure.”

The prosecution said that if the defense is no longer going forward with the plea deal, it will be scrapped and the defendant would be indicted on additional charges.

The plea deal is also contingent upon the parties agreeing that Powell will be sentenced to a total of three years and eight months and nothing less.

“The court’s hands are certainly not tied in giving a fair sentence, given all the circumstances,” argued defense attorney Randy McDonald.

Judge Becker told McDonald that it was impossible for his client to receive a lesser sentence due to the nature of the agreed upon plea deal.

Judge Becker decided to continue the sentencing to allow Powell to talk more with his attorney. The defendant will have to remain at DC Jail, where he has been held since the day of the offense.

“If I could beg you to please proceed today, please, your honor, I would be so grateful,” said Powell. “I’ve been through so much in the jail.”

“I can only accept your guilty plea if you truly believe that you are guilty and I am not convinced,” said Judge Becker. “We will not be doing this today, and I will not change my mind about that.”

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Holds Four Defendants During Initial Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge held four defendants in jail and released 11 during initial hearings on Dec. 1.

Eleasin Dewhitt, 19, is being charged with armed robbery for an offense that occurred on Nov. 30 on the 3000 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. Dewhitt and two other suspects are accused of beating a man at the Petworth Metro Station in Northwest DC and stealing his cell phone before fleeing the scene on a train.

According to court documents, the victim told police officers that one of the men had a knife at the time and was pressing it against his body, although it never broke through his clothes or skin.

In addition, the victim could not identify Dewhitt as one of the men who participated in the robbery.

However, Judge Errol Arthur found probable cause because the police believed his face is clearly visible in camera footage taken outside the train station. Judge Arthur denied Dewhitt’s release given the serious nature of the offense.

Davon Monk, 23, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. The offense occurred on Nov. 30 at Union Station in which Monk, along with another suspect, are accused of stealing a backpack from a victim and fleeing the scene before being arrested by an Amtrak police officer.

The judge decided to hold Monk, given his criminal history.

Perry White, 26, is charged with simple assault, assault on a police officer and obstruction of justice.

According to court documents, the offense occurred on Dec. 1 on the 400 block of 8th Street, SE in which the suspect allegedly approached a Starbucks worker and asked for a free cup of coffee. After being denied, he repeatedly punched the victim in the body and face.

Judge Arthur found White a danger to the community given the physical violence of the alleged incident and decided to hold him at DC Jail until his next hearing.

Brandon Bishop is charged with being a fugitive from justice in the Commonwealth of Virginia for contempt of court and second-degree theft in a separate, DC case.

Bishop, 33, was also brought before the court on two bench warrants for failing to appear at probation hearings. The underlying convictions in his probation cases are second-degree theft and lewd, indecent or obscene acts.

Judge Arthur released Bishop on his new charges of second-degree theft and being a fugitive from justice, however, he held him on two outstanding bench warrants for noncompliance with probation and failure to appear in court.

Bishop implored Judge Arthur to release him, saying he was “burying [his] grandfather” on the court dates he missed.

Even though the judge heard him out, he maintained his decision for the hold.

Of the 11 defendants released by Judge Arthur, four of them are charged with misdemeanors. The charges of the defendants include unlawful entry of public property, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, destruction of property and lewd, indecent or obscene acts. Two of the defendants were given stay-away orders while all were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Arthur released two defendants who are charged with felonies. The charges were carrying a pistol without a license, second-degree burglary and second-degree theft. The judge ordered one of the defendants to not possess any firearms and the other to wear a GPS monitoring device and stay-away from the location of the alleged incident.

Three defendants charged as fugitives from justice were also released. They were all ordered to turn themselves in to authorities in either Virginia or Maryland as soon as possible in order to deal with their warrants.

Judge Arthur released one defendant charged in a domestic violence case and one defendant charged with a traffic offense. The domestic violence defendant was ordered not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) two alleged victims.

Six defendants had their charges dropped by the prosecution.

Document: Police Seek Vehicle of Interest in Connection with Shooting of Two Juvinilles

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are asking the public’s help locating a vehicle of interest in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened on the evening of Dec. 1.

At around 7:11 p.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of Good Hope Road, SE for the report of a shooting. There, they found two juvenile males suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to a hospital.

The vehicle of interest is described as a newer model black SUV with a roof rack. It was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of 20-year-old Man

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a homicide that happened on Dec. 1.

At around 3:11 a.m., officers responded to I-295 near East Capitol Street, NE for the report of a person on a roadway.

There, they found 20 year-old Timothy Logan suffering from a gunshot wound in the northbound travel lanes. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Document: Fatal Shooting in Northeast Boundary Neighborhood

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide happened in the early hours of Dec. 2.

At around 12:52 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of 61^st Street, NE for the sound of gunshots.

There, they found 24 year-old Shalonte Pearson inside a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Crime Alerts: December 1-2

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

The most recent alert was sent at 6:12 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 1700 block of R Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male with short black hair in his mid-twenties.

The second alert was sent at 1:24 a.m. for a shooting on the 400 block of 61st Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, wearing a brown hoodie and blue jeans.

Judge Holds 5 Defendants, Releases 20

On Nov. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur held five defendants in DC Jail and released 20 defendants during initial hearings.

Judge Arthur held Darius Tyson on an armed carjacking charge.

Tyson, 25, and two other juvenile defendants are accused of three armed carjacking offenses. The prosecution cited witness statements and the serious nature of the crime as reasons to hold him.

However, defense attorney Elizabeth Weller argued that the witness statements were vague and did not prove her client is the person who committed the crime. The prosecutor responded that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) knew who the other suspects are and, through a process of elimination, were able to determine that Tyson was involved in these offenses.

Judge Arthur decided to hold Tyson given the serious nature of the offense. Tyson’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 21.

Richard McCain, Jr. is a fugitive from Maryland, where he is wanted for an armed carjacking charge.

Acting defense attorney Weller argued for his release, citing a relatively successful pretrial release record.

However, the prosecutor pointed out that there were two separate warrants out for McCain’s arrest.

Judge Arthur gave McCain two choices, either post a $5,000 cash bond or be held. McCain decided to be held and waived his right to an extradition hearing . He opted to wait for Maryland authorities to pick him up within three business days.

McCain also told Judge Arthur that he needed medical treatment for high blood pressure since he had been held since the weekend. Judge Arthur issued a medical alert on his behalf.

Jahil Dailey was held for failure to appear at three show cause hearings in October. Dailey has yet to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Arthur deemed Dailey a flight risk based on his inability to appear in court.

Dailey, 37, alleged that he was in the hospital for medical treatment and was unaware he was supposed to be in court. He promised Judge Arthur that he would return to court if he was released.

However, Judge Arthur decided to hold him until his next hearing on Dec. 15.

Derek Eddy was held on three accounts of robbery.

Eddy, 21, is also facing a warrant for his arrest from Virginia for the exact same charge.

His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 21.

Brandon Atwater, 27, was held on charges of simple assault, destruction of property of less than $1000, assault of a police officer and attempted second-degree theft. This arrest marks Atwater’s second arrest within two weeks.

The prosecution described Atwater’s behavior as assaultive and argued it resulted in a damaged police vehicle as well as demonstrated violence towards law enforcement.

After Judge Arthur decided to hold him, Atwater attempted to make a case for his release himself, but the judge did not change his mind.

Atwater’s next court date will be Dec. 15.

Of the 20 defendants who were released, nine are charged with misdemeanors. The charges include attempted threats to do bodily harm, destruction of property, second-degree theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing law enforcement, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, second-degree theft, possession of a controlled substance and simple assault. Six of the defendants were given stay-away orders while the rest were ordered to report to PSA.

Judge Arthur released six defendants charged with felonies. Three of the defendants have drug charges involving cocaine while the other three have weapons charges. All of the defendants were ordered to report to PSA, and one of the defendants was also ordered to wear a GPS monitor.

Additionally, Judge Arthur released two defendants charged with traffic offenses, one defendant charged in a domestic violence case and two defendants who were brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings.

A defendant charged in a domestic violence case had his case dismissed by the prosecution.

Maria Marzullo and Krystin Roehl wrote this article.

Judge Issues 5 Bench Warrants, Continues 4 Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge issued five bench warrants to defendants who failed to appear in court during the pretrial and probation show cause hearings over which he presided on Nov. 30.

One of the bench warrants Judge Michael O’Keefe issued was for a defendant charged with simple assault.

Chantel Cooper, 38, received several notices of noncompliance with her pretrial release conditions. A bench warrant for her arrest was also issued on Sept. 14 for failure to appear at a pretrial show cause hearing.

Another bench warrant was issued for a defendant charged in four misdemeanor cases.

Arthur Putman is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, contempt of a condition of release violation and simple assault in three separate 2019 cases. In his 2020 case, he is charged with unlawful entry onto private property. The 66-year-old has been a loss of contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and has picked up new cases in Florida.

A bench warrant was issued for a defendant who is on probation in two cases that date back to 2018.

Joevaughn Harris pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in May 2018 in one case and robbery in December 2018 for another. He was placed on one year of supervised probation in both cases, which were ordered to run consecutively. Several notices of noncompliance have been filed against him.

On Nov. 13, he missed a probation show cause hearing due to an infection from a gunshot wound in his leg.

A bench warrant was issued for a 40-year-old defendant for her four misdemeanor cases.

Lillian Ledbetter pleaded guilty to simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000. A bench warrant was also issued for her failure to appear to a probation show cause hearing on Oct. 30.

Judge O’Keefe also issued a bench warrant for a defendant to get him back into compliance.

James Slater, 52, pleaded guilty to simple assault on Oct. 22, 2019. He was given one year of supervised probation. On Oct. 27, a bench warrant was issued for his failure to appear to a probation show cause hearing.

The judge also continued a hearing for a defendant charged in two misdemeanor cases to give him time to undergo a mental health assessment.

The 47-year-old defendant charged with simple assault and misdemeanor sex abuse in two separate cases. Several notices of noncompliance have been filed against him.

His hearing is scheduled for Dec. 21.

A probation show cause hearing was continued for a defendant currently in inpatient care.

Amadu Fomah pleaded guilty to three counts of simple assault and disorderly conduct on May 8, 2019. He was given two years supervised probation. In a probation show cause hearing on Sept. 22, Judge Julie Becker set a hearing to monitor Fomah’s progress through treatment.

Fomah is set to finish his treatment in April, so a hearing was scheduled for April 14.

A probation show cause hearing was continued for a defendant in order to give her attorney, John Harvey, time to get into contact with her.

Daniyah Dailey, 21, is charged with simple assault. A notice of noncompliance with her pretrial release conditions was filed on Oct. 30. Both her defense attorney and a PSA official said she has been a loss of contact and that this has been an ongoing issue.

The hearing is scheduled for Dec. 10.

The last hearing continued was that of a defendant who has been locked up in Prince George’s County, Md. since June.

Norman Burr, 41, is charged with second-degree theft and shoplifting. Two notices of noncompliance were filed on Feb. 18 and Nov. 12. The case was continued for March 24 in hopes that his defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, will have more clarity on Burr’s Maryland matter.

Judge O’Keefe revoked probation for defendant Deangelo Washington, due to his longstanding history of noncompliance.

Washington pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on May 7, 2019, and was given one year of supervised probation. Since his last show cause hearing on Oct. 30, he has failed to contact the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and has not yet received mental health treatment.

The judge terminated Washington’s probation as unsuccessful. A sentence was not imposed.

The judge discharged a pretrial show cause hearing for a defendant who has come into compliance with conditions of release.

Savion Tate, 19, is charged with robbery. He has had several notices of noncompliance filed against him and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on June 5 for his failure to appear to a show cause hearing. His case is pending a grand jury.

Lastly, Davon White’s hearing was vacated.

The 27-year-old is charged with unlawful entry onto private property and destruction of property less than $1000.

Judge Schedules Hearings for Murder Cases

On Dec. 1, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled status hearings for four murder cases.

Xavier Culbreth is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a knife outside home or business. The 20-year-old defendant is accused of kicking 40-year-old Jamal Ferrell down an escalator and then stabbing him seven times at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station on April 28, 2019.

The prosecution said they have offered the defense a plea deal.

Judge Ronna Beck continued Culbreth’s hearing to April 13 to see how parties would like to proceed.

Co-defendants Maurice Johnson and Jermaine Harris are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 38-year-old Lamar Walters, who was shot on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE on Jan. 6.

Harris, 19, is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession with intent to distribute marijuana while armed in another case.

Judge Beck scheduled Johnson, 21, and Harris’ next hearing for May 4.

Michael Austin, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 26 year-old Kayvon Kinney on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE on May 24.

Judge Neal Kravitz ruled that his case has enough evidence to go to trial on Sept. 18.

Judge Beck scheduled Austin’s next hearing for May. 17.

Defendant to Serve 2.5 Years for Sex Abuse

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve two-and-a-half years for third-degree sex abuse following a global plea deal.

Judge Todd Edelman sentenced 38-year-old Broadus Johnson to 40 months, 10 of which were suspended, plus five years of probation for the sex abuse charge.

He also gave Johnson a suspended sentence plus five years of supervised probation for his charges of simple assault, second-degree theft and bail violation. The defendant’s other cases, in which he was charged with robbery, simple assault and bail violation, were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

The supervised release will be served concurrently for the sentences.

According to court documents, on March 8, 2019, on the 200 block of P Street, NW, Johnson followed the victim to her Uber and sexually abused her. The driver tried to get him out of his car by driving down the street and swerving.

Immediately prior to fleeing the scene, Johnson tried to take the woman’s property; however, he was unsuccessful, documents state.

Conditions of Johnson’s probation include substance abuse assessments, a mental health screening, vocational counseling or employment, transitional housing, a stay-away order and registering as a sex offender.

Johnson must also pay a total of $250 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Judge Gives Defense in Drug and Sex Abuse Case More Time to Discuss Plea Offer

A DC Superior Court judge continued a drug and sex abuse defendant’s Dec. 1 status hearing to give the defense attorney more time to discuss a plea deal with his client.

The defendant is charged with third-degree sex abuse and unlawful possession of PCP for allegedly groping an employee on Sept. 30 in the Shipley Terrace neighborhood of Southeast, DC. A vial of liquid PCP was allegedly found on the 42 year-old defendant after he was apprehended.

The defendant was initially released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) on Oct. 1, but he was held on Nov. 24 following multiple notices of noncompliance with his release conditions.

Shortly after the defendant was detained, the prosecution offered him a plea deal.

“I expected that I would be able to discuss the plea offer with my client by today,” said defense attorney Leo Alley, who requested the continuance. “Unfortunately, it’s much harder to reach him at the jail.”

Judge Judith Smith continued the hearing to Dec. 16.

Murder Case Set for Prelim Hearing

A murder case is set for a preliminary hearing, which will determine if it has enough evidence to go to trial.

Kyrie Wells, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 25-year-old Anthony Lee on Sept. 26 on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE. Wells was arrested on Nov. 18. His co-defendant, 29 year-old Niko Hall, was arrested on Oct. 19. He is also charged with first-degree murder while armed.

The Dec. 1 status hearing ended shortly after defense attorney Dorsey Jones told Judge Judith Smith that a preliminary hearing for the two has already been scheduled for Dec. 10 .

Document: Police Seek Suspect for Burglary of an Establishment

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in connection to a second-degree burglary that occurred on Nov. 26.

At approximately 6:47 p.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 1100 block of New Jersey Avenue, SE. The suspect took property from the establishment before fleeing the scene.