Judge Holds 7 out of 24 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held seven defendants and released seventeen during their initial hearings.

George Shaw, 20, is held on charges of first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing two men on Oct. 10 on the 4500 block of Quarles Street, NE. The victims, Simmeon Williams and Marcus Nelson, were allegedly attempting to invade Shaw’s home when the offense took place. Shaw was arrested on Oct. 12.

“Despite the uncertain circumstances around the offense, I find substantial probability for the charges,” said Judge Herrmann.

Davon Mangum is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly having a pistol in his car’s glove compartment on Oct. 12 on the 1500 block of Morris Road, SE. Mangum, 34, has two prior felony convictions from 2005 and 2006. Judge Herrman held him because his prior convictions involve armed robbery and manslaughter.

Judge Herrmann held Tyrek Hudson, 22, on a charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. He was allegedly found in possession of a firearm on Oct. 12 on the 2800 block of Q Street, SE. The judge cited the repeated nature of Hudson’s gun-related offenses.

“There is no evidence that he did anything with the gun, other than to possess it,” said Judge Herrmann. “The defendant, however, has two prior gun charges.”

Ahyende Gray is held on charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful entry onto private property. Judge Herrmann noted that Gray, 21, had been in the courtroom the day before.

“What I’m looking at here is a history of charges that involve threats or harm to other people,” the judge said.

Derrick Ferguson, 47, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly participating in a fight with a knife. Judge Herrmann held him because she believed his actions showed he would be a danger to the community,

The judge held Jeffrey Thomas on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Thomas, 31, was recently released from prison in May after completing a sentence for a 2013 felony conviction.

Mukhtar Mohamed is held on a charge of being a fugitive from justice for an aggravated assault case in Maryland. The demanding jurisdiction has three business days to retrieve him, or a hearing in DC will be scheduled.

Five felony defendants were released on their personal promise to return to court. One was released with a stay away order.

Judge Herrmann released three domestic violence defendants. Two of the defendants were released with stay away orders from the victims and their residences.

Five misdemeanor defendants were released. Three were released with stay away orders, one of which was also ordered to not harass, assault, threaten, or stalk (HATS) the victim.

Four fugitive defendants were released due to the non-violent nature of their alleged offenses. They must report to the demanding jurisdiction.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charge

On Oct. 9, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a defendant for sentencing after he entered a guilty plea.

Ken Johnson, 27, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

On March 11, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a call where they found probable cause to arrest Johnson for assault, according to court documents. During the investigation, officers found a firearm in Johnson’s apartment. Johnson has a prior robbery conviction making his possession of a firearm illegal.

In an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the defendant admitted to finding the firearm in a field by a school.

Defense attorney Quo Judkins asked Judge John Campbell to release his client pending his sentencing hearing, so he could be with his newborn daughter.

Judge Campbell denied that request, citing the incentive to not return being too great and the overall practicality of just serving his sentence as soon as possible.

Judge Campbell scheduled Johnson to be sentenced on Dec. 18.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Judge Releases 1 Criminal Defendant, Reschedules Hearing for Another

A DC Superior Court judge released one defendant and continued an arraignment of another on Oct. 9.

Arntae Jackson and Antonio Williams are charged with contempt of a Civil Protection Order (CPO)/Temporary Protective Order (TPO.)

Jackson’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested his client’s released. The prosecution did not oppose the request.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan released Jackson on his promise to return to court for his next hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 10. He must also report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and verify his address.

Antonio Williams is scheduled to be arraigned today, but he did not show up to court. Williams’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, said he has not been able to get in touch with his client.

Judge Raffinan continued the arraignment hearing to Oct. 16.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article

Judge Ends 1 Successful Probation During Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over seven pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 9, ending one under successful conditions.

Shelia Shelton was sentenced to probation for distribution of a controlled substance back in 2018.

Defense attorney Frederick Iverson confirmed that Shelton has paid her $50 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund, so Judge Becker ended the probation as successful.

Judge Julie Becker continued Lillian Ledbetter’s probation show cause hearing was continued to Oct. 30.

Ledbetter, 40, pleaded guilty to simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000 on Sept. 9. She was sentenced to a total of 360 days, all of which were suspended, plus 18 months of probation. However, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) has not had any contact with her

Judge Becker continued the hearing to give defense attorney Sabitiyu Abbou more time to get in touch with her client.

Lamar Edmonds, 36, is on probation for possession of PCP.

CSOSA recommended revocation, but Judge Becker said she would not do so until Edmonds shows up to court in person.

Sulleman Harrington is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, simple assault and destruction of property over $1,000.

On Oct. 20, 2019, Harrington allegedly stabbed the victim three times on the 5000 block of Benning Road, SE following an argument. Harrington was rearrested for allegedly kicking in a glass door of a liquor store on Dec. 13, 2019.

The victim was in critical condition and suffered a brain bleed, collapsed lung, punctured left orbital bone and multiple lacerations. He has since recovered.

Judge Becker took Harrington, 35, off of home confinement. He will remain under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.). Judge Becker continued the show cause hearing until Oct. 23.

Marcus Brockington, 19, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury for allegedly kicking a victim unconscious on the Stadium Armory Metro platform on March 18.

Since his last pretrial show cause hearing on Sept. 24, Brockington has come into compliance, according to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Julie Becker discharged the show cause hearing.

Another defendant, who was rearrested and is currently awaiting arraignment on multiple new charges. Since he is being held in DC Jail, he was unable to attend his pretrial show cause hearing.

The defendant, 42, is charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse of a minor after he allegedly groped a 14-year-old girl at a convenience store on the 4900 block of Central Avenue, NE, on Aug. 2, 2019.

Judge Becker continued the show cause for Oct. 16, so the defendant can be present.

Kareem Watkins, 42, is charged with first-degree burglary after he allegedly crawled under a victim’s garage door and stole his custom coat, wallet and bicycle. The coat was custom made and had the victim’s name stitched directly on it, according to court documents.

Judge Becker discharged the show cause after warning Watkins to stay in compliance.

“If you fall off again, you will be back here again,” said Judge Becker. “You will risk getting locked up”.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article

Judge Denies Domestic Violence Defendant’s Medical Release Request

On Oct. 13, a DC Superior Court judge denied a motion to release a domestic violence defendant due to medical issues.

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. He has been held since the charge was filed against him on June 9.

The defense’s motion was oral, not written. Judge Judith Smith said the lack of a written motion caused some confusion in the courtroom, as it was not explicitly clear what the defense wanted. There were also some communication difficulties when the defendant’s medical records were not forwarded to all parties involved in the case.

The defendant told Judge Smith how he was experiencing excruciating pain in his back due to nerve problems. He had previously received physical therapy and injections to help with his pain.

The defendant said he was not receiving adequate pain treatment at the DC Jail. He cited a 23-hours per day lockup and a hard metal bed as reasons for back stiffness and pain. D.C. Witness could not get more information about the defendant’s back problems.

However, the defendant said the DC Jail is working on locating a neurosurgeon. However, according to the defendant, the medical professionals at the jail told him it would take some time.

The prosecution expressed opposition to his release. The prosecutor also asked if the jail could provide the defendant with treatment since the medical professionals at the correctional facility are working on securing an appointment for the defendant with a neurosurgeon.

The prosecutor said he did not see any information that circumstances have changed so much to justify the defendant’s release.

Judge Smith emphasized several times during the hearing that many defendants have medical conditions, which alone is not enough to secure a release from jail. The defendant is still being held in jail.

The prosecution also put a pre-indictment plea offer on the record for the defense to consider.

The defendant’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 2.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article

Document: Police Seek Suspect in Armed Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in reference to an armed robbery that occurred on Oct. 11.

At approximately 10:48 a.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the unit block of H Street, NW. The suspect brandished a handgun and took cash from the register before fleeing the scene.

The suspect can be seen in the photos below.

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Document: Suspect Sought for Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect involved in a robbery on Oct. 11.

At approximately 2:15 p.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. The suspect snatched U.S. currency from the victim before fleeing the scene.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Unarmed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for an unarmed carjacking offense that happened on Oct. 11.

At around 1:08 a.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE. The suspect entered the victim’s vehicle and tried to take it. He was apprehended by responding officers.

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Document: Police Seek Suspect for Assault With a Gun

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect involved in an assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) offense that occurred on Oct. 11.

At around 12:04 p.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, SE. The suspect brandished a handgun and shot at the victim before fleeing the scene.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was captured by a nearby camera and can be seen in photos below.

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Document: Suspect Sought for Leaving After Colliding and Unauthorized Use of Vehicle

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s assistance identifying a suspect in connection with leaving after colliding and unauthorized use of a vehicle offenses that occurred on Oct. 12.

At around 8:35 a.m., officers responded to the 800 block of 6^th Street, NE for the report of a single vehicle accident. There, they found vehicle that had struck a building, causing extensive damage. The driver of the vehicle had fled the scene.

Upon further investigation, police found out that the vehicle was stolen from the 600 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE that same day.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

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Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon.

At around 12:44 p.m. on Oct. 12, the suspect approached the victim on the 200 block of Upshur Street, NW. The suspect brandished a knife and stabbed the victim. He was apprehended by responding officers.

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Document: Suspects Sought for Second-Degree Burglary

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help identifying suspects in connection with a second-degree burglary offense that happened on Sept. 25.

At around 8:46 p.m., suspects forced open the door of a building on the 1200 Block of Oak Drive, SE. They then took property and fled the scene.

Suspects were captured by surveillance footage.

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Document: Maryland Resident Killed in Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Oct. 9.

At around 11:22 p.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE for the sounds of gunshots. There, they found 41 year-old Eugene Miller, of Brandywine, Md. suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Document: Homicide in Anacostia

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that took place on Oct. 9 in the Anacostia neighborhood of DC.

At around 9:56 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of W Street, SE for the sounds of gunshots. There, they found 28 year-old Yisa Jeffcoat, of Southeast, DC. He was taken to the hospital, but ultimately pronounced dead.

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Crime Alerts: October 12-13

Between 1 p.m. on Oct. 12 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 13, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 9:07 p.m. on Oct. 12 for a stabbing investigation on the 2700 block of MLK. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a black skull cap, a gray shirt with orange trim and a bright blue jacket. He was last seen fleeing the location on foot.

An alert was sent at 6:58 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 4400 block of G Street, SE. Police are looking for three Black males and one Black female who were last seen fleeing eastbound on G Street, SE in a silver Nissan Altima with DC tags.

The final alert was sent at 1:26 p.m. for a stabbing investigation that occurred at 12:45 p.m. on the 300 block of Vallum Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black male with a light complexion, 180-190 pounds, 30-35 years of age, wearing glasses, a gray hoodie and a burg hat.

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