Document: Police Seek Robbery Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s assistance locating a suspect in connection with a robbery offense that happened on Oct. 26.

At around 5:10 p.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 500 block of K Street, NW. Once inside, the suspect threatened the employee and demanded money. The employee complied and the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

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Crime Alerts: October 26-27

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 26 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 27, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 5:36 a.m. for a robbery with a gun at the intersection of 2nd Street, NW and Hamilton Street, NW. Police are looking for three, young Black males with slim builds.

They were last seen headed east on the 100 block of Hamilton Street, NW. One of the suspects is believed to be armed with a handgun.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened on Oct. 4.

At around 3:00 p.m., a suspect brandished a handgun towards the victim on the 200 block of I Street, NE.

The suspect then fled the scene on a scooter. No injuries were reported.

A 26 year-old with no fixed address was arrested on Oct. 26.

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Judge Finds Probable Cause In Assault Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that an assault case has enough evidence to go to trial, but only on a lesser charge.

Rakeem Willis, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed. The 28-year-old is accused of entering another inmate’s cell at the DC Jail, then hitting and stabbing the victim with an unknown object on July, 3. The victim sustained multiple wounds and was transported to Howard University Hospital.

Judge Neal Kravitz did not find probable cause for that charge, but did find probable cause for a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. He cited surveillance footage, a detective’s testimony, and a Department of Corrections (DOC) report, as reasons for his decision.

“There is clear evidence of an assault here,” he said.

According to court documents, the defendant was being held at the DC Jail due to his pending case, in which he is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the murders of 26-year-old Sean Shuler, 26-year-old Javon Abney and 24-year-old Tyrik Hagood on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE. Jan. 26 2019.

The surveillance footage of the assault shows Willis cleaning the cellblock when the victim was escorted to his cell by a Department of Corrections (DOC) officer. Then, Willis allegedly followed the officer into the cell and began hitting the victim with a closed fist until the officer separated the two. Willis left the cell and walked out of the camera’s view without any officers pursuing him.

A MPD detective testified that Willis had been holding a sharpened object when he attacked the victim, leaving several puncture wounds. He said, DOC officers did not find a weapon in the victim’s cell but they never searched the defendant’s cell.

The detective also said the victim was unwilling to cooperate with the investigation.

During cross examination, defense attorney Michael Bruckheim asked the detective how many times the victim was stabbed and where the injuries were located.

The detective couldn’t remember how many times the victim had been stabbed. He was also unable to remember where on the victim’s body the bandages were.

The detective testified that the DOC report said the defendant held a closed fist over his head in what he described as a “stabbing motion.”

Bruckheim showed the detective the DOC report, which didn’t mention a closed fist or stabbing motion. The detective said the DOC officer, who was escorting the victim to his cell and witnessed the attack, told him. The detective the officer must have made a mistake.

Bruckheim asked the detective how he knew the injuries were puncture wounds rather than injuries sustained from Willis’ punching the victim. The detective said the DOC officer told him they were puncture wounds during an interview, but he never saw the wounds.

Bruckheim asked the detective if the victim underwent any surgery or was given anesthetic while in the hospital. The detective said the victim did not have surgery nor did he receive any anesthetic while receiving treatment.

Bruckman argued against a probable cause finding. He said there is no evidence that the victim was even stabbed. He also said that even if the victim was stabbed, there is no evidence that Willis intended to kill him.

The prosecutor replayed the security footage and pointed to the defendant’s stance moments before he entered the victim’s cell. The footage showed Willis with his arm raised above his head with a closed fist.

“One could infer that there was a sharp object in the defendant’s fist,” Judge Kravitz said. “No one seized him. It’s pretty extraordinary, but I’m not sure that the absence of a knife is such a big deal given the quality of the DOC investigation.”

Then, Judge Kravitz addressed the argument over probable cause for assault with intent to kill while armed.

The prosecutor argued that the victim, being in handcuffs and being unable to defend himself, proves that Willis had intended to kill the victim. “The defendant stabbed the victim several times while he was essentially incapacitated.” the prosecutor said.

“The victim being handcuffed doesn’t show that the defendant wished to kill him rather than assault him,” Judge Kravitz said.

Judge Kravitz decided to hold Willis, saying his criminal history, including an assault with a dangerous weapon conviction and three murder charges in a pending case, are concerning and indicate violent tendencies.

Willis’ next court date, a felony status conference, is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Domestic Violence Defendant’s Next Hearing Set

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a plea deal hearing in a domestic violence case.

The defendant is charged with two felonies, including assault with a dangerous weapon and cruelty to animals.

Defense attorney Peter Cooper said that the defense has finished negotiations with the prosecution for the acceptance of a plea deal.

Although both parties wanted to officially accept the plea deal in the Oct. 26 hearing, Judge Julie Becker said that she could not do so in the assigned courtroom.

The plea deal hearing was rescheduled to Nov. 3, so that the defendant could be present and the case judge, Judge Michael Ryan, could preside.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Defense Counsel Requests Release of Paralyzed Defendant

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge continued a felony status conference for a defendant who has been indicted on 17 counts.

Darryl Smith Jr. is charged with conspiracy, first-degree burglary, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, first-degree theft, felony credit card fraud and receiving stolen property. All of these are charged as offenses committed during release, besides an additional conspiracy charge.

At the time he picked up these charges, Smith was on probation for unlawful possession of liquid PCP in a case that dates back to 2019.

Smith’s attorney, Kristin McGough, requested that her client be released from DC Jail. Smith turned himself in on Oct. 5 for an outstanding bench warrant and has been held since then.

“He was in the midst of life-altering events and faced the stress of learning to live all over again,” said McGough.

Smith was shot in the back in March of last year. After undergoing six surgeries, he is paralyzed from the waist down. Prior to being shot, he had been a loss of contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

“As soon as he was stabilized he turned himself in,” continued McGough. “But DC Jail is just not equipped to take care of him.”

McGough said that he is suffering from an infection and needs another surgery. She also learned from her client that DC Jail is not giving him the necessary medical supplies and care needed to treat his condition.

“We are sorry for what he is going through,” said the prosecution. “But Mr. Smith was a loss of contact for 13 months before he turned himself in.”

According to the prosecutor, a release request will be opposed because Smith is a flight risk. Smith has also been a loss of contact in Maryland for his probation for a murder that occurred in 1988.

Judge Julie Becker set a bond review hearing on Nov. 5 to address McGough’s request that her client be moved to 24-hour home confinement.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Probation Under Youth Act

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to one year of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

In November 2019, Jabari Reid was charged with carrying a pistol without and license outside a home or business. Later that month, he was indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without and license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Reid, 19, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in exchange for the other charges being dropped.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced him to fourteen months for the pistol charge and 90 days for the marijuana charge. She suspended the entirety of both sentences and set them to run concurrently.

Reid was also sentenced to one year of probation for each charge, which will also run concurrently. Conditions of his probation for the pistol charge include enrollment in a GED or academic program, referral to grief counseling (which will not be a violation if he does not complete it), 90 hours of community service, alcohol treatment as deemed appropriate by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) and referral to a mentor.

Since Reid was sentenced under the youth act, his case will be effectively sealed once he completes his requirements.

The prosecution argued that Reid should be sentenced to 18 months, with 15 of them suspended, plus one year of probation. The prosecutor argued that three months in prison could serve as a deterrent to prevent future criminal activity.

Reid’s attorney, Corinne Shultz, requested one year probation. She said that Reid had been highly compliant and was looking to earn his high school degree. She also said that taking of a plea early showed him taking responsibility for his actions.

Reid was arrested On Nov. 14, 2019, after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw Reid on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE, acting suspiciously, according to court documents.

Reid was allegedly holding his left arm tightly to his side and stopped walking as officers drove by. Once they passed, Reid continued holding his arm tightly and walked towards a vehicle.

The officers stopped their vehicles and approached Reid, documents state. They noticed one side of his jacket was heavily weighed down, but Reid denied having a firearm.

The officers patted him down and discovered a pistol. They placed Reid under arrest and soon after discovered Marijuana and approximately $500 dollars.

Reid must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund for the possession charge and $100 for the pistol charge. He will also have to register as a gun offender.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Defendant in Felony Case Under Youth Act

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a 19-year-old defendant to probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

On May 25, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were patrolling and received a tip that Kayon Beverly,was in possession of a handgun. The officers approached Beverly on the 1500 block of First Street, SW, where a cookout was occurring. As the officers approached, Beverly took flight and the officers immediately apprehended him. He resisted arrest, but officers were ultimately able to detain him.

Beverly was found in possession of an unregistered pistol, a pill bottle containing oxycodone with the label scratched off and almost $400 dollars.

He ended up being indicted on charges of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possession of a controlled substance.

Beverly pleaded guilty to the charges in August in exchange for the prosecution dismissing his other case, in which he was also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

During the Oct. 26 hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Beverly to 90 days for the possession charge and six months for the pistol charge. She suspended both sentences in their entirety.

Judge Brandt also sentenced him to and one year of probation for each case. The probation and the sentence for each charge will run concurrently.

As conditions of Beverly’s probation for the pistol charge, he must receive mentoring services, enroll in the Community Engagement and Achievement Center and continue to live with his relative in Maryland. He will not have to do any community service because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

The prosecution said the defendant had been compliant and does well with structure. He requested 180 days suspended for the offense of possession of a controlled substance, six months suspended for possession of a pistol without a license, and one year of probation for both charges to run concurrently.

Beverly’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, was in agreement with the sentencing. Beverly also argued on his behalf and said that he was working towards his professional aspirations and seeking employment while he continues school.

Beverly must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime compensation fund for the possession charge and $100 for the pistol charge.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.

Judge Only Sees One-Third of the Defendants Scheduled for Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over 12 pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 26. She issued eight bench warrants for the arrests of defendants who did not show up to court.

April Boller was one of those defendants. She is charged with a bail violation and receiving stolen property.

Defense attorney Angela Ramsay said she has not been able to get in touch with her 43-year-old client.

Anita Leigh is charged with bail violation in a 2019 case as well as simple assault and second-degree theft in a 2017 case. She also did not show up to court.

Multiple notices of non-compliance and bench warrants have been issued over the last three years, and she has been deemed a loss of contact.

Leonard Jonson was scheduled for a pretrial show cause hearing regarding two 2019 cases. He is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no permit.

Defense attorney Ralph Robinson said Johnson, 27, is currently incarcerated in Maryland for two pending cases and therefore could not appear in court.

Kdyn (pronounced kay-den) Waller is charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful entry in two 2019 cases.

The prosecutor requested a bench warrant after he failed to appear in court, saying that there were a “string of arrests listed in the PSA report.” The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) has deemed Waller, 27, a loss of contact since earlier this year.

Judge Danya Dayson agreed that a bench warrant was the best course of action.

Roland Ford is on probation for simple assault in a case that dates back to 2018. He also failed to appear in court.

The PSA said that Ford, 44, had not been in contact with them since March of this year. His defense attorney, Carl Messineo, also had not heard from his client.

A defendant charged with misdemeanor sex abuse of a child or minor failed to appear for his pretiral show cause hearing.

The defendant’s attorney, Thomas Key, had not heard from his client.

Judge Dayson cited arrests the defendant had for driving under the influence (DUI), assault on a police officer, and bail violation, as contributing to her decision to issue a bench warrant.

Donald Lewis, who is charged with simple assault, also failed to appear in court.

The PSA deemed Lewis, 55, a loss of contact on Sept. 28. However, he has had no new arrests.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant, as the defendant may not be aware of the dates in his cases, and this may be the only way for the court to reach him. Judge Dayson granted the request.

Tyshawn Simms is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and distribution of a controlled substance.

The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) told Judge Dayson that Simms, 22, had been deemed a loss of contact since Sept. 28. However, they simply requested that Simms regain compliance by checking in with his case manager as deemed appropriate after his release.

Judge Dayson ordered Simms check in with PSA immediately, and discharged the hearing.

On Aug. 6 undercover officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), witnessed the defendant in what appeared to be an alleged drug exchange. MPD allegedly found a firearm and narcotics in a backpack that had been in possession of the defendant. According to court documents, MPD discovered Simms had pleaded guilty to a previous gun charge, and did not have a valid permit to carry the firearm.

Kevin Jackson entered into a plea agreement for a misdemeanor charge of drug possession. Jackson, 46, was allegedly found to be in possession of PCP on Aug. 22, 2019, after MPD arrived at his apartment for a welfare check.

During Jackson’s status hearing on Oct. 26, both the prosecutor and defense attorney Kevin Robertson, agreed that sentencing Jackson to time served was appropriate. Judge Dayson agreed, noting that Jackson had not been rearrested during the last year, and his criminal history was limited.

Jackson was ordered to pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.

Donald Allen walked into the courtroom for a probation show cause hearing. Allen, 63, was deemed a loss of contact earlier in the year, however during his probation show cause hearing on Oct. 26, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) clarified that the agency was contacted by Allen’s case manager on Aug. 12. According to the representative, the case manager said Allen had been receiving treatment from MBI Health Services. Since that notification was received, Allen has been in compliance with CSOSA.

CSOSA requested the show cause hearing be discharged. Judge Dayson agreed it was appropriate.

Allen is currently on probation for a robbery charge from 2019.

Lontez Williams is currently on probation for a 2018 case. The charges in that case were assault with a deadly weapon and assault with intent to kill while armed.

While on probation, Williams was rearrested twice: once in DC and most recently in Maryland. He was released in both matters, and has been reporting consistently to CSOSA.

Defense attorney Lee Goebes requested that his client’s probation be terminated on the grounds that he us unaware of how long the defendant’s case in Maryland will take to go to trial. Judge Dayson immediately denied that request, saying she is concerned with the nature of crime in his most recent arrest.

Goebes then requested that the stay away order in his client’s 2018 case be revoked in favor of a no harassment, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) be served instead.

Judge Dayson granted the request and continued the hearing to Jan. 26.

Judge Sentences Defendant for Assault on A Police Officer

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve 75 days for assault on a police officer.

On April 29, while being held at the DC Jail, Leroy Kear grabbed an officer from his cell and threw water at him.

“He was waiting to be sentenced for assault and weapon possession charges when he assaulted the officer,” said the prosecution.

Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Kear to 185 days, 105 of which were suspended, plus one year of probation. He will receive credit for time served.

The prosecution asked for a six month sentence suspended all but 90 days.

Defense attorney Sean Coleman said his 33-year-old client was in a stressful situation and acted poorly.

However, the officer was clearly in a stressful situation as well, as he threw water right back at Kear, Coleman said.

Judge Rainey Brandt asked the prosecutor to confirm the officer’s retaliation on Kear. The prosecutor said he had no reason not to believe Coleman’s statement about what happened.

“If indeed that is true, now we have two sets of immature behavior from Mr. Kear and the officer,” said Judge Brandt.

Kear must comply with a stay away order as a condition of his probation.

Judge Sentences Assault Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to ten months in prison.

Arthur Harris was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in November 2019. He pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in the following December.

During the Oct. 26 hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Harris to 20 months, 10 of which were suspended, plus one year of supervised probation.

Harris, who has been held in DC Jail since November, will receive credit for time served. Judge Brandt assured his family that he will be released later today.

On Oct. 29, 2019, the 24 year-old defendant stabbed a man on the left side of his torso on the 2500 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to the prosecution, the victim had to get surgery.

Harris was reviewed to possibly be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would effectively seal his case after he completes certain requirements.

However, the prosecution opposed the YRA because of the violent nature of the case as well as Harris having been sentenced under the YRA in the past. They recommended a 20 month sentence with four months suspended and 18 months of supervised probation.

Judge Brandt also denied the YRA because Harris has already been sentenced under it before.

Defense attorney David Cumberbatch said his client’s mental health struggles were a big reason for him acting out in the way he did.

“He was not on his medication. He was very obviously using drugs during the incident,” he said.

Cumberbatch did not specify a specific amount of time for his sentence recommendation but he did ask for a short split sentence under the YRA with probation to include therapy and anger management classes.

Judge Brandt mentioned four disciplinary issues that Harris was cautioned for while being held in DC Jail. She agreed that Harris needs to get his anger in check.

However, Judge Brandt did mention that Harris has time to change. During his probation, Harris will be required to take anger management classes, mental health treatment, drug treatment and vocational training. He must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund and not use drugs, including marijuana and alcohol.

Judge Denies Bond Motion for Defendant in Domestic Violence Case

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge denied a motion to review the bond status for a defendant in a felony domestic violence case.

The defendant was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly running over a victim with his car, twice. His charge was amended to assault with intent to kill while armed on June 30.

He has been held in DC Jail since charges were filed against him on May 27. The defendant has had bail denied on both July 2 and Sept. 17.

The prosecution said that the defendant has repeatedly violated a stay away order against the victim by communicating with her over the phone in jail.

Judge Julie Becker decided to continue holding the defendant because of his disregard for the conditions that have been placed on him.

The defendant’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 18.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Document: Vehicle of Interest Sought in Robbery Offenses in the First District

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting the public’s help in locating a vehicle of interest in reference to robbery offenses that occurred on Oct. 23.

At approximately 10:29 a.m., on the 600 block of F Street, NE, four suspects exited a vehicle and approached the victim at the listed location. Two of the suspects brandished handguns and pointed them at the victim in an attempt to take property.

The victim fled the scene.

The suspects returned to their vehicle without property and fled the scene as well.

At approximately 10:47 am, on the 800 block of G Street, Northeast, two suspects exited a vehicle and approached a victim at the listed location. The suspects brandished handguns and took the victim’s property then fled the scene.

A vehicle of interest was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

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Document: Suspects Sought for Armed Kidnapping

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking help in identifying suspects in an armed kidnapping that happened on Oct. 23

At around 2:00 pm on 800 block of Longfellow Street, NW, suspects, inside of a vehicle, approached the victim. The driver brandished a handgun demanding the victim get into the vehicle. The victim complied and entered the vehicle.

While the vehicle was moving, the second suspect pointed the handgun at the victim and demanded property. The victim complied. The suspects then let the victim leave the vehicle and fled the scene with the victim’s property.

The first suspect is described as a Black male with a dark complexion, 19-20 years-old, 6’0”, with a heavy build, goatee, and wearing a black hoodie.

The second suspect is described as a Black male, also 19-20 years-old, with a skinny build, faded haircut, and wearing a black hoodie.

The suspects were last seen in a mid-2000’s tan Chevy style SUV with no tint and a possible dent above the rear driver’s side wheel.

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Document: Vehicle Sought in Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seeks the public’s assistance identifying a vehicle of interest in connection to an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened on Oct. 21.

At around 5:38 p.m. on the 1400 block of 11th Street NW, a suspect fired shots at the victim before fleeing in a vehicle.

The vehicle of interest was captured by a surveillance camera.

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