Judge Reinstates Probation for Firearms Conviction

A DC Superior Court judge re-instated a defendant’s probation and scheduled an in-person sentencing hearing for Oct. 1.

In September 2017, Georgio Hyles was sentenced to 24 months, all of which were suspended, plus 24 months of probation for unlawful possession of ammunition. He was sentenced to 12 months, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation for possession of an unregistered firearm. The sentences ran consecutively and were passed under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

Judge Hiram E. Puig-Lugo decided to revoke Hyles’ probation due to non-compliance on Feb. 6. During the Sept. 17 hearing, he re-instated the probation. This time, the defendant must comply with a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) intervention plan.

Judge Puig-Lugo ordered Hyles to appear in-person in two weeks for a sentencing hearing. Hyles will remain released in the meantime.

Hyles picked up the case in 2016 after being caught carrying a pistol outside an establishment without a license. He was sentenced to 24 months of probation in 2017 under the conditions that he regularly check-in with the Pretrial Services Agency and remain within the DC city limits.

The prosecution was concerned with an alleged probation violation which claimed Hyles was in possession of a firearm.

Defense attorney Frances M D’Antuono said her client has not violated his probation by being in possession of a firearm. However, she conceded that he was occasionally non-compliant with other conditions of his probation because of extenuating circumstances.

A CSOSA representative said Hyles has committed several probation violations which include failing to report to supervision, failing to comply with mental health, GPS and curfew violations, and possession of a firearm in 2019.

“We don’t find Mr. Hyles takes probation seriously,” a CSOSA representative said.

D’Antuono said the reason Hyles picked up the case in the first place was because he believed people were trying to take his life.

On June 19, Hyles was shot and required three surgeries to heal his shatter leg and injuries to his knee.

The following month, allegedly, the same people who shot him in June tried to kill him at his home. Hyles broke probation and fled to Maryland. D’Antuono said he did this because he feared for his life.

CSOSA said that, even after the shootings, it was difficult to contact Hyles to verify both his safety and location.

Hyles refused victim services.

Judge Puig-Lugo found many of Hyles’ probation violations, including his alleged possession of a firearm, occurred prior to both shootings.

“Nothing has changed…I have been hearing the same story for three years,” said Judge Puig-Lugo.

While Judge Puig-Lugo said he believes that Hyles being a victim of two shooting is tragic, it does not excuse probation violations.

Judge Issues 3 Bench Warrants in Felony and Misdemeanor Cases

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith presided over six pre-trial and probation hearings on Sept. 17.

Kenneth Stevenson, 27, did not show up for his pretrial show cause hearing. Stevenson is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, oxycodone.

Stevenson was not compliant with his pretrial release conditions and has had no contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) since his re-arrest in June.

The prosecution requested that a bench warrant be issued for Stevenson’s arrest. Judge Smith granted the request.

Giselle Hartzog, 31, also failed to appear in court. Hartzog is charged with robbery. The defendant has not charged her GPS tracker since April and has been labeled a loss of contact by the PSA.

Hartzog’s attorney, Peter Cooper, said he did not know his client’s whereabouts. The prosecution requested a bench warrant.

Judge Smith issued a warrant, making this the defendant’s third bench warrant issued in this case.

A sex abuse defendant also did not show up to court.

The defendant is charged with misdemeanor sex abuse, third-degree sex abuse and assault with the intent to commit third-degree sex abuse.

The defendant has been deemed a loss of contact since he never showed up to get his GPS tracking device last week and has not contacted the PSA.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley said he has not been in contact with his client. Judge Smith issued a bench warrant.

Vincent Gibson appeared before the court for a probation show cause hearing.

Gibson, 38, pleaded guilty to simple assault in 2019 and is currently on probation.

The hearing was called to discuss Gibson’s build up of supervision fees, which totalled to $450. Gibson has followed all other probation conditions and is compliant with probation officers, according to his attorney, Theresa Jenkins.

Judge Smith inquired about possibly reducing his probation to unsupervised to lessen the cost on Gibson, but it was unclear if that would actually reduce costs. The next hearing is set for Dec. 8.

Mikias Geberezgiabhier, 22, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and second-degree theft.

The defendant’s attorney, Frederick Iverson, reported that his client has been compliant with pretrial release conditions.

Both the prosecution and the agency were encouraged by the defendant’s compliance, so Judge Smith scheduled another hearing on Dec. 14 to lessen pretrial measures if compliance continues.

Nickquan Boddie, 20, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

A CSOSA representative told the judge that Boddie was meeting his pretrial conditions. Defense attorney Damon Catacalos asked the judge to discharge the hearing.

Judge Smith ordered the pretrial show cause hearing to be dismissed and set the next hearing for April 1.

Judge Schedules Hearing to Determine if Prosecution Has Enough Evidence to Bring A Murder Case to Trial

On Sept. 17, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a second-degree murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Jonathan Jenkins, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Richard Mitchell on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE, on May 31. Mitchell, a 25 year-old resident of Oxon Hill, Md., suffered from four gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The police arrested Jenkins on June 25.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey asked for the preliminary hearing to be scheduled in two weeks to give the defense time to prepare.

According to court documents, a witnesses say that there was a fight between the men at a cookout the night before the shooting. One witness also indicated that the men were arguing over marijuana before the shooting.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the hearing for Oct. 14.

Judge Schedules Hearing to Consider A Domestic Violence Defendant’s Release

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to consider releasing a domestic violence defendant.

The defendant is charged with felony assault with intent to kill while armed. He is accused of trying to kill a victim with a motor vehicle.

The defendant was charged on May 27, and has been held at DC Jail since then.

Defense attorney Donald Dworsky filed a motion for his client’s release on Sept. 8. During the Sept. 17 hearing, Judge Robert Okun scheduled a bond review hearing to discuss the motion for Oct. 19.

Dworsky previously requested the defendant’s release during a July 2 hearing. The request was denied.

Document: Police Seek Armed Robbery Suspects

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help identifying and locating suspects in connection with an armed robbery that happened on Sept. 14.

At around 6:55 p.m., suspects approached the victim on the 200 block of E Street, SW. One of the suspects took out a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. The suspects then assaulted the victim, took the victim’s property and fled the scene. The suspects were captured by a surveillance camera.

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Document: Fatal Stabbing in Northwest, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Sept. 16.

At around 6:30 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of I Street, NW for the report of a stabbing. There, they found Hassan Jalloh, a 20 year-old resident of Alexandria, VA suffering from stab wounds. He was unconscious and unresponsive. Jalloh was taken to the hospital, but was ultimately pronounced dead.

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Judge Sentences DUI Defendant

On Sept. 17, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for driving under the influence of alcohol.

As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, Beneyam Tefera pleaded guilty to the DUI in exchange for being sentenced as a first time offender.

Judge William Nooter sentenced Tefera, 41, to 30 days, all of which was suspended, plus nine months of unsupervised probation.

Tefera was originally charged with DUI second offence after failing a field sobriety test in December of 2019 on the 5900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The defendant must also pay $100 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Crime Alerts: September 16-17

Between 9 p.m. on Sept. 16 and 9 a.m. on Sept. 17, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out four crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 7:33 a.m. for a shooting investigation that occurred at 6:37 a.m. on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police are looking for two Black males, both wearing light shirts and dark pants. One of the suspects was wearing red shoes. They were last seen running down Minnesota Avenue.

Another alert for a shooting investigation was sent at 3:43 a.m. on the 3700 block of 1st Street, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

An alert was sent at 3:23 a.m. for a confirmed shooting at the intersection of 5th and K Streets, NE. Police are looking for a person of unknown sex and race, 5’3″-5’7″ in height wearing jeans and a jacket with an orange hoodie.

An alert for a robbery with a gun was sent at 10:48 p.m. that occurred on the 1100 block of Irving Street, NW. Police are looking for five Black males wearing dark clothing. One is armed with a handgun. They were last seen headed toward Sherman Avenue, NW.

Document: Police Searching for Suspect in Armed Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department requested the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an armed robbery on the 200 block of E Street, SW.

According to a press release, the suspect brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. The suspects then assaulted the victim, took the victim’s property and fled the scene.

Surveillance video caught the image of the suspect below.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s Text Tip Line — 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction in this violent crime or any other violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

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Domestic Violence Defendant Sentenced Under Youth Act

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant for simple assault under the Youth Rehabilitation Act

Judge John McCabe sentenced Taylor Lyons to 90 days in jail, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation. Conditions of her probation include receiving a mental health screening and evaluation.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge McCabe waived the community service requirement that usually accompanies a youth act sentence.

Lyons picked up the case in 2019 for assaulting a victim after he moved her glass by throwing an ashtray at him and physically hitting him.

The victim wrote an impact statement, which the prosecution read during the Sept. 16 hearing. In it, he recommended jail time with therapy, saying that she needs help.

“If you give her an inch, she’ll take the whole mile,” the victim wrote.

The prosecutor cited several instances of Lyons harassing the victim’s neighbors. However, Lyons’ defense attorney, Albert Amissah, asked Judge McCabe to focus on the present case, not civil matters or other cases.

Amissah insisted that there are several bodycam recordings from responding officers in which Lyons says the victim has been abusing her. Amissah clarified that the allegations were not an excuse for his client to have behaved in the way she did. He acknowledged her wrong doing but said most of the issues began when Lyons started standing up to the victim.

The prosecution originally agreed to enter into a Deferred Sentencing Agreement (DSA) with Lyons. However, after two probation violations and a notice of noncompliance earlier this year, the government revoked the DSA.

The prosecutor said that he does not want to set Lyons up for failure by asking for the maximum sentence. Instead, he asked for at least 45 days in jail, mental health therapy and enrollment in a Family Violence Program.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Lyons has been homeless and without a cell phone for much of her probation.

Her probation officer corroborated Lyons’ claim that she did originally keep in touch. The officer said she suspects that Lyons’ situation complicated her ability to keep in contact. However, she believed there are resources available to Lyons, but she needs to make herself available to those resources as well.

Lyons claims she has been seeing a therapist for anger management for two years.

Before delivering the sentence, Judge McCabe aked Lyons about her past, inquiring about her education and her living situation.

“Do not give up on furthering your education,” Judge McCabe said to Lyons.

Lyons must also pay $50 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Judge Holds 7 Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Sept. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 25 defendants and held seven defendants in DC Jail.

Albert Mathis is charged with being a fugitive from justice with an underlying charge of robbery in Maryland. Judge Herrmann chose to hold him for three days to allow Maryland authorities to come and collect him.

Torrence Adams, charged with being a fugitive from justice, is wanted by Maryland for first-degree rape. Due to the nature of the charge, Judge Herrmann said that she was inclined to hold the defendant until Maryland comes to collect him within three business days.

A male defendant is charged with assault in a domestic violence incident. Judge Herrmann decided to release the defendant on this matter, but he was held for a parole matter. After the parole matter is taken care of, the defendant is required to follow a stay away order as part of his release conditions.

Jalmalda Redish, 48, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, which was said to be cocaine. Judge Herrmann released him for the new charge, but he was held for a parole matter.

A defendant was held by Judge Herrmann on charges of contempt and a civil protective order (CPO) violation in a domestic violence case. With these new charges, Judge Herrmann explained that the defendant has proven to be unable to stay away from the complainant and she has reason to fear for her safety.

William Pace, 59, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender, GPS tampering and a parole violation. Although Judge Herrmann released the defendant on his two new charges, he is held for the parole matter.

For the final defendant held, the courtroom muted the audio, so D.C. Witness was unable to gather the details of the case.

Additionally, one of the defendants that Judge Herrmann released was also muted by the courtroom.

Four defendants charged with domestic violence charges were released. Three defendants were given stay-away orders and one was given the condition to not harass, assault, threaten or stalk the alleged victim of the assault.

Six defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice, were released by Judge Herrmann. All six were told to turn themselves in to the state that has an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The defendants that are wanted in Maryland have various charges including assault, burglary, failure to register as a sex offender and probation violations. The defendant wanted in Virginia is charged with larceny and various sex offenses.

One female defendant is charged with unlawful entry and destruction of property. She was released by Judge Herrmann, but was ordered to stay away from the White House.

Five additional defendants are charged with attempted threats, contempt, attempt to carry a dangerous weapon, possession of cocaine and second-degree theft. These defendants were released with various conditions, including stay-away orders from the areas that they allegedly committed the crimes and orders to not possess a firearm.

Four defendants who are charged with sexual abuse, assault, impersonation of a police officer, extortion and outstanding bench warrants were released.

Another three defendants charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, which was cocaine. These defendants were released as well.

One defendant charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and driving without a permit was released by Judge Herrmann. The defendant must follow the condition that he does not drive without a valid license or when he is under the influence of narcotics or alcohol.

Crime Alerts: September 16

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out two crime alerts after noon on Sept.16.

Police sent the most recent alert at 7:06 p.m. for a stabbing on the 600 block of I Street, NW. Police are looking for a black female, wearing a light blue hooded sweatshirt, who is 5’3″ to 5’4″ and armed with a knife.

At 3:48 p.m., police sent out a crime alert for a shooting investigation on the 5300 block of Call Place, SE. The police are looking for a black male wearing all black.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call 911.

Document: Police Search for Suspect in Stolen Auto Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department is requesting the public’s help in identifying a suspect who is wanted for stealing an automobile and leaving after striking four victims.

According to a press release, the the suspect entered a vehicle after a delivery driver left it running an unattended on the 3300 block of 18th Street, NW. As the suspect began to flee the scene in the vehicle, he lost control and struck the driver, an adult woman and two juveniles.

The suspect then ran from the scene on foot.

The victims were taken to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone who can identify the individual should call the police at 202-727-9099 to text the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 8.5 Years Under The Youth Act

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to eight-and-a-half years for three charges.

In May 2019, Thadduse Hartridge pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery, robbery and unarmed carjacking for three separate incidents that occurred in 2018 and 2019.

Hartridge, 19, was initially charged with armed robbery and assault with intent to commit armed robbery. However, the charges were changed as part of a plea deal with the prosecution.

The defendant was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA,) which would effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements.

The prosecution argued against a youth act sentence due to the nature of the crimes.

“He took a leading role in the most violent offense in the carjacking case,” the prosecutor said. “He struck a female with a metal baton. Not only is she a senior citizen, she has continued stress related to this violent attack.”

The prosecution asked for a sentence totaling ten years for the three charges, mainly due to the gratuitous nature of the offenses.

“All three offenses are extremely violent,” said the prosecution. “The victims were assaulted beyond what would be required to take their property.”

Hartridge’s attorney, Stuart Johnson, said that Hartridge is taking responsibility for his actions and is improving himself while staying at New Beginnings Youth Development Center.

“Mr. Hartridge has gotten 17 certificates at New Beginnings,” said Johnson. “He was the top outstanding scholar. It is relevant to sentencing that he has been a model resident at a detention facility and he is going to keep bettering himself in federal prison.”

A Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) representative was present at the Sept. 16 hearing and agreed with Johnson’s six year recommendation.

“He’s been in our custody since January 2019,” said the DYRS representative. “He completed the animal-assisted therapy program and the therapist that ran the program said that he built up his empathy skills.”

Johnson read a statement that his client wrote.

“It’s important to me people don’t view me as a menace to society,” Hartridge wrote. “I know a few words can’t take back what I did, but I’m not the same young man that committed those crimes, I am evolving daily.”

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Hartridge to two years for assault with intent to commit robbery, 18 months for robbery and five years for unarmed carjacking.

The sentences will run consecutively. Hartridge will receive credit for time served.

Each sentence came with a three year period of supervised release, which will run concurrently. During that time period, Hartridge must complete 90 hours of community service.

Judge Smith also issued a stay away order from the three victims when Jartridge is released. He must also pay $300 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Judge Smith also recommended Hartridge receive anger management and mental health treatment while incarcerated. Judge Smith also recommended a GED program for Hartridge.

Judge Issues Four Bench Warrants During Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge issued four bench warrants and continued four hearings during pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Sept. 16.

Judge Danya Dayson issued a bench warrant for a defendant convicted of drug charges who failed to appear in court.

Damian Hawkins was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in July 2017.

He has received two alleged violation reports this year. He never reported to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and has remained a loss of contact.

Judge Dayson also issued a bench warrant for Deandre Smith’s arrest.

Smith, 22, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and resisting arrest.

The judge made this decision because several notices of noncompliance with his pretrial release conditions and his failure to appear in court.

Smith also has an outstanding extraditable warrant in Prince George’s County.

Kevin Powell, a 41 year-old charged with second-degree burglary, also failed to appear in court. Judge

Lastly, Judge Dayson issued a bench warrant for Mark Odoms after he did not show up to his pretrial show cause hearing.

Odoms, 21, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in one case and simple assault in another. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Aug. 26.

Judge Dayson denied defense attorney Sylvia Smith’s request to have her client taken off of home confinement.

Malik Shelton, who is also known as Shane Smith, is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, amphetamines.

Despite denying the request to lift his home confinement, the judge ruled that Shelton, 23, has come into compliance following his Aug. 17 pretrial show cause hearing.

Judge Dayson scheduled another pretrial show cause hearing to give Demeatrey James time to come into compliance with his pretrial release conditions.

James, 25, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Sept. 1.

The judge also continued a probation show cause hearing to see if Tracy Vandyke is continuing with his progress.

Vandyke pleaded guilty to fleeing a law enforcement officer and offenses committed during release in February 2018. Since his release, he has received three notices of non compliance with probation. However, his probation officer said that he has recently made a turnaround in compliance.

A continued probation show cause hearing was scheduled for next week to give Paris Simmons time to reach out to CSOSA.

Simmons pleaded guilty to robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business in August 2018. Since he has been on supervised probation he has incurred a violation for failure to charge his GPS and has a pattern of not maintaining contact with CSOSA. According to his defense attorney Sean Murphy, Simmons could not make the hearing today because he has been showing COVID-19 symptoms for the past two weeks.

Finally, Judge Dayson scheduled a pretrial show cause hearing for a defendant, Delonte Morris, who failed to appear to court.

Morris, 30, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and second-degree burglary on Jan. 17 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

The defendant was released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with orders to report to the PSA. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Sept. 15. Morris’ PSA officer said that she had not had contact with him for a month.

Judge Dayson gave Morris’ defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough a week to see if he could establish contact with his client.

Morris is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5, 2021.