Judge Continues Preliminary Hearing For Co-Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge continued a preliminary hearing for two defendants charged with assault with intent to kill while armed.

Kameron Collins and Ryan Phillip were allegedly involved in a shooting that happened on Dec. 11, 2019 on the 2100 block of Queens Chapel Road, NE.
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Oct. 23 marked the first day of the preliminary hearing, which will determine if the cases have enough evidence to go to trial. It was cut short due to time constraints because of Judge Danya Dayson’s prior obligations.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who worked on the cases testified that he identified the defendant based on camera footage from a nightclub the defendants were at on the night of the incident. When interviewed, Phillip, 27, identified himself in the surveillance footage outside the nightclub.

The defendants were driving a silver Dodge Challenger on Queens Chapel Road, as shown by the footage during the hearing.

The prosecution later showed video footage later that same night where that same vehicle stopped at a sidewalk. When stopped, muzzle flashes were shown on the screen with the victim falling to the floor and the vehicle pulling away.

The detective said that shell casings were recovered from the scene.

Judge Dayson continued the preliminary hearing for Oct. 30, so the defense could begin their cross-examination.

Judges Hold Almost 26 Percent of Defendants During First Half of October

Between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, DC Superior Court judges presided over a total of 305 cases during initial hearings.

Of the 305 cases, 77 of the defendants were held at DC Jail and two were held at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). The other 226 defendants were released.

In total, judges held almost 26 percent and released 74 percent of the defendants they presided over.

Of the three judges presiding over the presentment hearings, Judge Juliet McKenna held the lowest percentage of defendants. Judge McKenna only held around 23 percent and released around 77 percent of defendants.

Judge James Crowell and Judge Heide Herrmann both held almost 27 percent of the defendants. Judge Crowell released 102 defendants and held 38, while Judge Herrmann held 20 defendants, releasing 53.

Overall, there were 57 domestic violence cases, 91 felonies, 104 misdemeanors, 15 traffic violations and 35 bench warrant cases. Some defendants were charged with more than one case.

Judges also mentioned 38 instances of violations, which were committed while defendants were on pretrial release, probation or parole. The violations included failing to appear at hearings, stay-away violations, GPS tampering, possessing weapons, failing to get drug tested and loss of contact.

Compared to the last two weeks in September, violations increased by 5 percent, according to D.C. Witness data.

Of all of the defendants brought before the court, at least 79 of them were on some sort of supervision, including pretrial release, probation and parole.

There were a total of 57 domestic violence cases, which is almost 22 percent lower than the previous two weeks.

The charges for the domestic violence cases included assault, destruction of property, unlawful entry, contempt, threats or attempted threats to do bodily harm, sexual abuse, possession of a weapon, violation of a Civil Protective Order (CPO) or Temporary Protective Order (TPO), unlawful disclosure [of sexual images] and cruelty to children.

Close to 81 percent of the domestic violence defendants were released, while judges held around 19 percent of the defendants at the DC jail.

Of the 11 domestic violence defendants that were held, the main charges were assault and contempt, though charges also included destruction of property, violation of a CPO or TPO, threats to do bodily harm and weapon possession.

Four of the held defendants in domestic violence cases were also on pretrial release at the time they allegedly committed their new offenses.

This report was written by Emily Pengelly and Krystin Roehl

Judge Continues 4 Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over 10 pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 22.

Judge Julie Becker revoked a defendant’s Deferred Sentencing Agreement (DSA.)

Plashette Bogan’s case dates back to 2016. In February of that year, she pleaded guilty to two DUIs and operating a vehicle after suspensions.

Her guilty plea would have been withdrawn and her case dismissed if she successfully completed the DSA. Instead, she entered a guilty plea and Judge Becker sentenced her to time served.

Bogan must also pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund.

Judge Becker also continued four hearings to a later date to give the defendants time to come back into compliance. This would also give counsel the opportunity to obtain more information on the defendants’ cases.

The hearings include Isiah Braddock, 32, who came to court for a bench warrant that was issued in February of last year. He is charged with a DUI.

The prosecution recommended continuing the hearing so that parties can determine Braddock’s compliance with his release requirements. Judge Becker scheduled a new hearing date for Nov. 9.

Judge Becker decided to revoke a defendant’s probation for second-degree theft . Tyrone Edmondson is charged in connection with several other theft cases and the prosecution recommended waiting until those cases were resolved before proceeding with this one. He is being held in a revocation hold.

The prosecution noted an increase in criminality and a history of noncompliance; however, defense attorney Kelsey Phipps said her client is homeless and steals to survive.

Edmonson’s next court appearance in this case is scheduled for Dec. 21.

Benjamin Minkins, 34, is on probation for a DUI. Judge Becker continued his show cause hearing to Dec. 21 as well.

The prosecution expressed concern about two recent arrests in Maryland for disorderly conduct and exceeding the speed limit.

Judge Becker observed an improvement in his compliance, but not perfect compliance. She decided to give him another month to come into full compliance.

The prosecution recommended Judge Becker continue the hearing of Avery Clayborne, who is on probation for unlawful possession of liquid PCP, until Dec. 7.

Clayborne has been noncompliant with his probation conditions; however, he has recently reconnected with CSOSA. Clayborne has also experienced a difficult quarantine period but wants to become compliant with probation.

Judge Becker agreed to continue the case so that Clayborne may utilize the court’s recourses to help him get back on track.

Judge Becker discharged two cases because the defendants had complied with release requirements.

Judge Becker discharged the hearing for Tyche Brisco, after PSA said the defendant was trying to get back into compliance with release requirements.

Judge Becker noted that while his record is not perfect there has been an improvement. The prosecution recommends a discharge saying it is a good thing he is trying to get into compliance.

Brisco will appear in court on Feb. 9 for his next hearing in a co-defendant matter.

Stephanie Walker, 29, was charged with simple assault.

While she was not in court today and was recently rearrested on a no permit charge, Judge Becker did not hold that against her because she has been in full compliance with her probation conditions.

Judge Becker issued three bench warrants for defendants who have been a loss of contact with either PSA or CSOSA.

Judge Becker issued a bench warrant for Santos Barrera after he failed to appear for a hearing.

Barrera is charged with eight separate drug and weapons possessionary offenses from 2009. He had failed to comply with release conditions. Barrera was picked up on the bench warrant in August but has again failed to comply with PSA requirements.

“Hopefully, as you said, we see him before 2030,” Judge Becker told the prosecution.

Sylvester Lambert, 63, is charged with bail violation for allegedly failing to appear in court.

He has been a loss of contact since Aug. 29, so Judge Becker granted the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant.

Delroy McGann, 26, who is charged with simple assault, has been a loss of contact. Judge Becker continued this hearing a few weeks ago to provide defense attorney Claudine Harrison the opportunity to locate her client. However, Harrison said she was unsuccessful.

The attorney’s inability to locate her located resulted in Judge Becker issuing a bench warrant for his arrest.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article

Judge Sentences Defendant to Serve 14 Months in Prison

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve one year after he resolved his two cases with a plea deal.

William Cox pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Judge Robert Okun sentenced him to 24 months, 10 of which were suspended. The 14 months he was ordered to serve is two months longer than the mandatory minimum.

After his sentence, the 28 year-old defendant will spend 18 months on probation. Conditions of his probation include alcohol testing and vocational counseling and training.

As part of a plea deal, Cox’s 2018 case was dismissed. In that case, he was indicted on charges of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Cox picked up the case after MPD found two firearms in his apartment on March 26.

This happened while he was on pretrial release for his 2018 case, which Judge Okun took into account during the Oct. 23 sentencing hearing.

Cox must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund and must register as a gun offender in the District of Columbia.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Crime Alerts: October 22-23

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 22 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 23, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out five crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:39 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Police are looking for two Black males in their late teens, wearing dark clothing. One is thought to be armed with a handgun. The suspects fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan.

An alert for a confirmed stabbing was sent at 12:54 a.m. on the 2600 block of 30th Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

At 11:51 p.m., an alert for a robbery was sent on the 2100 block of Wyoming Avenue, NW. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a white ski mask and a black hoodie.

An alert for a robbery investigation was sent at 11:44 p.m. on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police are looking for three Black males armed with handguns. They were last seen heading west on Ridge Road, SE in a silver 2019 Toyota Corolla.

The final alert was sent at 11:34 p.m. for a robbery with a gun on the 5100 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Police are looking for a male 5’9″ in height with a husky build. He is wearing a black sweatshirt with colorful letters and a white mask. They are also looking for another male, who is short and wearing dark clothing.

Judge Holds 6, Releases 23 Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Oct. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples released 23 defendants and held six defendants in DC Jail.

Jamar Turner is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed. Davon Pratt is also being charged, along with Turner, for a drive-by shooting in the Trinidad neighborhood in Northeast, DC.

Both Turner, 18, and Pratt, 22, are suspected of assaulting a victim while armed on June 12 in association with multiple drive-by shootings. They are being held due to the violent nature of the crime. According to court documents, police are also investigating other suspects.

Pratt is also being held for charges of robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The robbery took place on March 10, when two victims contacted Pratt about purchasing a vehicle Pratt had listed for sale. When the victims met up with Pratt on the 2400 block of E Street, NE to complete the sale, Pratt and three other suspects robbed the victims at gunpoint. MPD was able to track Pratt’s location through his phone and arrested him on March 18.

The defendant was released on home confinement for another case, in which he is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and leaving after colliding. Pratt’s arraignment for that case is scheduled to happen in March of 2021. The prosecution requested he be held in that case, but Judge Staples denied the request.

Pratt was also on probation in four other cases: two from 2018 and two from 2016. Judge Staples granted the prosecution’s request to hold him in those cases as well.

Herman Johnson, 40, was arrested on Oct. 21 after Johnson was seen by undercover Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers giving an unknown substance to another person in exchange for money. The individuals were immediately apprehended and the substance tested positive for cocaine.

Johnson was charged with a felony for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Upon arrest, it was discovered that Johnson had initially used a fake name and had an outstanding warrant for the distribution of heroin. Herman is being held due to a bench warrant that was issued in a separate case.

James Demyers was arrested for an incident that occurred on Sept. 29. On that day, MPD officers were dispatched to the unit block of Florida Avenue, NE, for the report of a robbery. The manager of the store said Demyers, 30, removed an undetermined amount of money from the register. Demyers’ description was recognized by police officers and they responded to a sighting of him on Oct. 21 when he was arrested and charged with robbery.

Judge Staples held Demyers due to his extensive history and his failure to comply with release conditions. He is also a fugitive from Maryland in a different case and will be available for pickup by Maryland authorities.

Tavon Jackson is a fugitive of justice from the state of Maryland with an underlying charge of arson. He is being held for three days in order for Maryland authorities to pick him up due to the nature of his crime.

A defendant is being held in a domestic violence case with underlying charges of destruction of property less than $1,000 and simple assault. He is being held due to the violent nature of his charge and previous criminal history.

There were nine other misdemeanor charges that were heard by Judge Staples, including unlawful entry, contempt, sex abuse, possession of a controlled substance, and failing to register as a gun offender. Of those individuals, all were released and two were given stay away orders.

There were ten felony case defendants who were released. Charges included unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, threats to do bodily harm, threats to kidnap or injure a person, possession of liquid PCP, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault on a police officer. Judge Staples issued stay away orders to three defendants.

There were four other domestic violence cases for charges including simple assault and threats to do bodily harm. All of the defendants were released with stay away orders.

This article was written by Abigail Grifno. Maria Marzullo contributed to the piece.

Police Arrest Suspect for Child Sex Trafficking Offense

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives from the Youth and Families Services Division have announced an arrest for a child sex trafficking offense.

Police have apprehended suspects involved in child sex trafficking from June 30 and Aug. 26.

On Oct. 22, police arrested one suspect, who is a resident of Southeast, DC, for sex trafficking.

Earlier, on Sept. 30, another 29-year old male was arrested and charged with the same thing.

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Judge Schedules Hearings for Defendants

A DC Superior Court Judge continued hearings for two defendants on Oct. 21.

Deon Dais, 24, is charged with a felony for assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly firing a gun on Aug. 26 in DuPont Park. Fragments from the bullet damaged a bystander’s eye, according to court documents.

At the time of the incident, Dais was on pretrial release for distribution of of ecstasy.

Defense attorney Susan Borecki said they are very close to completing plea deal negotiations with the prosecution.

The potential plea deal would resolve both the assault case and the distribution case. It also may include the U.S. Attorney’s Office recommending that the defendant get the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA,) which would effectively seal his case once he completes certain requirements.

The plea deal expires on Oct. 21, so the prosecution is in the process of getting it approved for extension. It was originally offered on Sept. 17.

Judge Ronna Beck scheduled another status hearing for Nov. 10.

Anthony Braxton, 40, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury for allegedly striking a man in the face with a closed fist – causing the victim’s lip to split – at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital on April 23.

Defense attorney Russel Hairston asked for the status hearing to be continued. Judge Beck agreed, but held off on deciding Braxton’s next court date because of confusion about the scheduling.

Both Dais and Braxton are currently being held at DC Jail.

Sierra Robbins wrote this story

Preliminary Hearing for Burglary Case Not Held

Counsel informed a DC Superior Court judge that were not prepared to go forward with a preliminary hearing that was scheduled for Oct. 22.

Bernard Woods, 59, is charged with burglary in connection to three separate instances. The preliminary hearing would have assessed if his case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Woods’ defense attorney, Chidi Ogolo, said the prosecution has extended a plea offer. He also said he has not had the opportunity to speak with his client about it since Woods was placed in quarantine at the DC Jail.

On May 19, Woods allegedly entered an individual’s shed with the intent to steal property. On May 29, Woods is also accused of entering a restaurant in Dupont Circle with the intent to steal property. Lastly, on Aug. 3, Woods allegedly entered a grocery store in Kalorama Heights with the intent to steal property.

The judge scheduled Woods’ next hearing for Nov. 4.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick

Judge Denies Dismissal Motion for Defendant Awaiting New Trial

A DC Superior Court judge denied a motion to dismiss a case involving multiple felonies that dates back to 2013. However, he did grant a motion to submit clothing for DNA testing.

In 2015, a jury found 57-year-old Victor Coley guilty of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior firearms conviction, possession of an unregistered firearm/unlawful possession of a firearm or destructive device and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Coley was sentenced to 40 years.

In 2018, he filed a motion to reopen the case due to ineffective counsel. In December 2018, the case was reopened, and a new trial began on Nov. 12, 2019. The trial was paused in January due to motion issues and vacated after Coley submitted a motion for a new attorney.

Attorney Dorsey Jones was appointed to defend Coley on Feb. 21.

During the Oct. 22, Judge Michael Ryan addressed motions filed by the defense.

Coley’s attorney, Dorsey Jones, filed a motion to dismiss the case due to alleged violations from the Department of Forensic Services (DFS). Jones also filed a motion for DNA testing of the defendant’s shoes, shoelaces, jacket, and jeans.

Jones’ motion to dismiss based on DFS violations centered around a DFS employee who carried out the ballistics testing on the firearm found in Coley’s apartment. The DFS employee who testified at Coleys 2015 trial was investigated by the Department Of Justice (DOJ) in 2017 for allegedly forging a signature on documentation in an unrelated case. The employee was accused of trying to “shape the narrative” of the investigation.

Jones said that these subsequent actions on the DFS employee’s part challenged his credibility and called into question the chain of custody for the firearm and shell casings.

The prosecutor said these claims are no basis for dismissal. He said these allegations against the DFS employee happened two years after the investigation in this case. Another testing agency also re-examined the evidence.

Jones argued that the second examination didn’t prove that the evidence hadn’t been tampered with by the first DFS employee. He argued that officers did not mark the shell casings found on the scene. This makes it possible for the DFS employee to fire new rounds out of the gun recovered from Coley’s apartment and falsely claim that the new casings were those found on the scene.

“I can’t see how the DFS employee’s subsequent wrongdoing affects his testimony in such a way that it justifies dismissing the case.” Judge Ryan said. “I don’t believe that I can dismiss the case or exclude evidence.”

Jones requested DNA testing on the clothing Coley was wearing on the night of the offense. The surveillance footage of the assault showed a suspect running behind the victim while shooting. Jones said that the victim’s blood could have gotten on Coley’s clothing if he was the shooter.

The prosecution argued that the evidence could not be admitted at trial because officers, investigations, jurors, and prosecutors had all touched the clothing. He also said the testing would probably not lead anywhere.

“It seems like a sensible argument by Mr. Jones,” Judge Ryan said granting the request for DNA testing.

Coley is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 13.

Defendant Given Another Chance to Comply Before Sentencing

A DC Superior Court judge decided to postpone a defendant’s sentencing hearing so that he could prove that he can comply with release conditions.

Maurice Beckham, 19, pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer and destruction of property less than $1,000 in February. He is currently released under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) while he awaits sentencing.

Defense attorney Wole Falodun requested that his client receive a fully suspended sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would effectively seal the case once he completes certain requirements.

The prosecution disagreed, saying that Beckham has multiple re-arrests and has been largely non-compliant with the PSA.

“Mr. Beckham had no sanctity of life for himself or others in that moment,” the victim wrote in an impact statement that the prosecution read during the Oct. 22 hearing.

The prosecution then played footage from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Body Worn Camera (BWC) from the Jan. 10 offense. The officers were shown trying to stop Beckham as he rammed the stolen SUV into other cars during rush hour on Benning Road, NE.

“What were you thinking when you were driving over those cars,” asked Judge Erik Christian. “Those officers could have shot you in defense of those citizens.”

“I wasn’t thinking,” Beckham replied.

Judge Christian said that he will delay the sentencing to give Beckham time to prove that he is qualified for the YRA.

“The bottom line is that you’ve run out of excuses,” said Judge Christian. “I will accept nothing less than perfect compliance.”

The sentencing is now scheduled to take place on Jan. 14.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article

Document: Suspect Sought for Burglary and Credit Card Fraud

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s help identifying a suspect of a first-degree burglary and credit card fraud offense that occurred on the 1100th block of 4th Street, NW.

A suspect entered an occupied residence between Oct. 19 at around 11:15 p.m. and Oct. 20 at around 7:15 a.m. The suspect stole a wallet containing credit cards and fled. The suspect then used the credit cards at an establishment.

The suspect was captured by a camera.

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Document: Suspects Sought For Burglary in Northwest, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s help identifying suspects of a second-degree burglary offense that occurred on Oct. 13.

At around 2:30 a.m., the suspects entered an establishment on the 1700 block of 14th Street, NW, took property and fled.

They were captured by a surveillance camera.

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Document: New Information on February Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified a suspect in a homicide that happened on Feb. 28.

At around 8:52 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of Monroe Street, NE for the report of a shooting.

There, they found 21 year-old De’mari Twyman, of Oxon Hill, Md., suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital, but ultimately pronounced dead.

Detectives identified the suspect as 22 year-old D’Andre Mickle, of Northwest, DC. He was killed during an incident on April 28, 2020, at around 11:11 am at a home on the 1800 block of 24^th Street, NE.

Detectives determined that Mickle forced his way into the home and was confronted by another person. An altercation ensued and the Mickle was shot. The incident was classified as a justifiable homicide.

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Judge Dismisses Five Fugitive Cases

On Oct. 21, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples heard 10 extradition hearings, where all of the defendants were charged with being fugitives from justice.

Of the 10 cases, Judge Staples dismissed five per the prosecution’s request.

Five defendants all had their cases extended for 30 days as the prosecution was still waiting on paperwork from the demanding jurisdictions, including Maryland and Virginia.

No bench warrants were issued.

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