Judge Holds Five Defendants at Initial Hearings

On Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur held at least five defendants and released at least 10 defendants during initial hearings.

Judge Arthur held Henke Lima on a felony robbery charge. Judge Arthur noted Lima had a pending case involving a misdemeanor charge for possession of a controlled substance.

Lima, 30, requested to represent himself during the proceedings, but Judge Arthur denied that request. He told the defendant the request could be addressed at the next hearing.

Romeo Ramirez was held in a fugitive matter stemming from an armed carjacking charge in Maryland. Ramirez waived his right to an extradition hearing agreeing to be held for three business days so that Maryland authorities could pick him up from the DC Jail.

Another fugitive defendant, Vincent Alston, waived his right to an extradition hearing, opting to be held for Maryland authorities to retrieve him. He is wanted in connection with a first-degree assault case.

Judge Arthur decided to hold Orlando Johnson on an unlawful firearm possession charge with a prior conviction. According to court documents, Johnson, 37, was searched by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers after reporting a stolen vehicle. The officers found a handgun on his person, and he was arrested.

Delonta Hawkins was held after Judge Arthur found probable cause. Hawkins, 38, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Hawkins is accused of shooting the victim in the back, which the prosecution argued was clear intent to kill. Court documents state Hawkins told the victim “I should kill you,” after initially shooting her.

Of those who were released, seven have misdemeanor charges and three have domestic violence misdemeanor charges. One defendant was released with a weapons possession charge. A final defendant was released on personal recognizance to deal with a fugitive matter in Maryland.

The misdemeanor charges included GPS tampering, drug possession, assault, weapons possession and destruction of property. All of these defendants were released on various conditions which included checking in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and stay-away or no-contact orders.

The domestic violence charges included misdemeanor sexual abuse, sexual assault and assault. All the defendants were released with stay-away orders. If violated, they could be charged with contempt of court.

Additionally, the court dismissed another fugitive matter as well as continued a case because the defendant is still in the hospital.

This article was written by Maria Marzullo.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with a second-degree burglary offense that happened on Oct. 28.

At around 4:50 a.m., suspects forced their way into an establishment on the 2500 block of Champlain Street, NW. Once inside, they took property and fled the scene. One of them was apprehended by responding officers.

On Oct. 28, a 45 year-old resident of Northwest was arrested for second-degree burglary.

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Document: Police Seek Suspect in Connection to Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in connection to a second-degree burglary that occurred on Oct. 27.

At around 1:00 a.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE and took property before fleeing the scene.

The suspect can be seen in the photos below.

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Document: Juvenile Arrested for Assault with Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a 14 year-old suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon as well as leaving after colliding and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

On July 18 at around 11:50 a.m., the suspects and the victims were involved in a traffic accident on the 1400 block of 5^th Street, NW.

One of the suspects allegedly brandished a handgun, fired at the victims and fled the scene. The victims were not injured.

The juvenile suspect was arrested on Oct. 28.

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Defendant Sentenced Under Youth Act for Gun and Drug Charges

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for a drug offense and a gun offense under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

Anthony Barnes pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in exchange for the prosecution dropping his charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm. In another case, he pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in exchange for the prosecution dropping his felony contempt charge.

“I know it wont be easy, but I’m committed to becoming a better person,” the 20 year-old told the judge.

The prosecution also agreed to dismiss a third case, in which he was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

“He’s so young,” the prosecutor said. “This could be a turning point.”

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Barnes to 12 months in prison, all of which was suspended besides the time he has already served by now, plus one year of supervised probation for the drug charge.

She also sentenced him to 12 months with all but six suspended, plus one year of supervised probation for the pistol charge. He will receive credit for time served.

Parties spoke about how Barnes used the time he has spent at DC Jail for self reflection during the Oct. 28 hearing.

Defense attorney Thomas Lester said his client “turned to his community for a sense of identity and belonging, which sometimes is a good thing and sometimes is a bad thing.”

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

The prosecutor supported the defense’s request for the YRA. She pointed out Barnes is an intelligent individual with a history of advanced placement classes and family support.

“It’s frustrating when young, smart people make bad decisions,” the prosecutor said.

Barnes’ sentences will run consecutively, but his probation will run concurrently.

Conditions of the probation include alcohol and drug testing and any other treatment if recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA,) a mentoring or young adult program, seeking employment, participating in a job skills training program if he is not employed and 90 hours of community service.

Barnes must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund for each of the charges.

This article was written by Andrea Keckley

Judge Orders Competency Screening for Kidnapping Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ordered a preliminary screening to determine if a defendant charged with first-degree child sex abuse and armed kidnapping is competent to stand trial.

The defendant’s sex abuse charge stems from a 2018 case. He picked up the kidnapping charge earlier this month.

The 22-year-old is charged with kidnapping in connection with an incident that occurred on the 400 block of Chaplin Street, SE on Oct. 7. According to court documents, the defendant along and another suspect, who pleaded guilty to murder, allegedly used tasers to subdue the victim before stabbing his hands. Then, the two allegedly handcuffed the victim and took him to the basement of their apartment building before taking the victim’s money, credit cards and car.

The victim was reportedly held in the basement for two to three hours before being released.

During the Oct. 28 hearing, defense attorney Heather Pinckney asked that her client receive a psychiatric evaluation in regard to the kidnapping case. She says the defendant has a severe mental health condition and is unable to stand trial.

Judge Julie Becker agreed to the request and scheduled another mental observation hearing for Dec. 10.

The defendant was arrested on the day of the incident.

As a result of the investigation, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also arrested 27-year-old Bernard Coleman III for armed kidnapping, armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree theft and second-degree theft in connection with the incident. At the time, Coleman was wanted for allegedly escaping from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital while awaiting sentencing for his father’s homicide.

He is now charged with armed kidnapping and prison breach.

Judge Moves Forward with Mental Institution Escapee’s New Cases

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled hearings for a defendant who was recently arrested for armed kidnapping after allegedly escaping St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, where he was awaiting sentencing for manslaughter.

In 2017, Bernard Coleman III pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting his father, Bernard Coleman Jr., in the back of the head while he was sleeping in March 2017.

The 27 year-old was being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital awaiting sentencing when, on Oct. 3, he allegedly escaped from the facility. According to court documents, hospital staff noticed that he was missing the next morning after they pulled back the bed sheets and realized Coleman had created a dummy as a decoy.

On Oct. 7, Coleman and another suspect allegedly robbed a man, tasered him, stabbed his hands and left him handcuffed in a basement for three hours on the 400 block of Chaplin St, SE.

Coleman is now charged with armed kidnapping and prison breach in connection with these incidents.

During the Oct. 28 hearing, defense attorney Janai Reed requested that her client receive a forensic psych evaluation and get scheduled for a mental observation hearing in his new cases to determine his competency.

Judge Julie Becker granted the request.

The prosecution said that if Coleman is declared incompetent to stand trial, the sentencing for his 2017 cases will need to be delayed further.

Coleman will have a mental observation hearing for his new cases and a felony status conference for his murder case on Dec. 10.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Schedules Preliminary Hearing for Murder Defendant

On Oct. 28, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Dohn Harmon, 21, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE on July 1. Goggins, a resident of Southeast, DC, was pronounced dead at Washington Hospital Center.

According to court documents, Harmon “indicated that he did participate as the driver in the murder.”

He also reportedly told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Goggins was not the intended target, according to court documents.

Hsrmon refused to say who else was involved.

The defendant was arrested on Oct. 8. He is currently being held at DC Jail.

Judge Julie Becker scheduled Harmon’s preliminary hearing for Nov. 23.

Judge Reschedules Preliminary Hearing for Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Stephon Williams is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of his father, Stephen Magruder. Magruder was 49 years-old when he was fatally shot on Sept. 11 on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE.

The preliminary hearing was set to take place on Oct. 28. However, due to a family emergency for defense attorney Jason Tulley, Judge Michael O’Keefe rescheduled it for Nov. 20.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Attempted Kidnapping and Simple Assault

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a defendant for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping and simple assault.

Michael Gasper picked up the charge for kidnapping a three-year-old child on the 1100 block of 4th Street, SW on June 21. According to court documents, the defendant was on the rooftop of an apartment building, socializing with the victim’s mother. Then, Gasper picked the child up and carried him to his apartment, where he held him for over an hour. Surveillance footage from the apartment’s elevator showed Gasper trying to calm the visibly upset child.

“The defendant intentionally carried the victim away to satisfy his own need for companionship,” the prosecutor said during the Oct. 28 hearing.

Gasper, 36, took a plea agreement with the prosecution wherein he would plead guilty to attempted kidnapping and simple assault rather than his initial charge of kidnapping.

Gasper will have to complete an alcohol treatment program before his sentencing, which Judge Michael Ryan scheduled for Oct. 29.

The prosecution will drop the attempted kidnapping charge if Gasper completes the program within 12 months.

Document: Suspects Sought in Assault on a Police Officer

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating an assault on a police officer that occurred on Aug. 28 on the 500 block of 15th Street, NW.

According to the press release, several suspects approached an on-duty MPD officer and assaulted him.

MPD is asking for anyone who has knowledge of the incident to alert the police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE –50411

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Judge Denies COVID Release for Chronically Ill Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge denied a chronically ill defendant’s request to be released due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The defendant is charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon in a domestic violence case. He is currently being held at DC Jail, where he has been since his initial hearing on April 25.

“I understand that no one likes to be incarcerated – you can magnify that stress, fear and discombobulation when it comes to being incarcerated during a global pandemic,” said Judge Rainey Brandt. “The same fears you are manifesting are the same fears that all of us that aren’t incarcerated feel every single day when we leave our homes to go to grocery store, leave our homes to walk our dogs or just step outside to get a breath of fresh air.”

Two judges previously ruled that no release conditions could ensure the community’s safety. During the Oct. 28 hearing, Judge Brandt said she sees no reason to go against her colleagues’ rulings.

However, his medical concerns are still its own issue.

The defendant has sickle cell anemia, which can only be treated, not cured. This condition causes patients to have irregularly shaped red blood cells and can result in pain crises.

Defense attorney Corrine Schultz said she does not fault the jail and believes they are doing what they can to address her client’s medical situation. However, she doesn’t think they are equipped to handle his needs. The jail has reportedly only given him Tylenol.

However, a representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC) said they would send him to a hospital if needed.

The representative also said that they scheduled the defendant for an evaluation appointment with a specialist, but he refused.

The refusal seems to span from coronavirus concerns. The defendant said he was placed in a block with other inmates who were recovering from COVID-19.

Judge Brandt sympathized with the defendant’s fear, but told him that “all roads start and stop with evaluation.” Therefore, she strongly encouraged him to take the appointment.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 30.

This article was written by Andrea Keckley

Document: Police Investigate Georgia Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide on the 2800 block of Georgia Avenue, NW that occurred on Oct. 27.

Around 8:51 p.m., MPD officers arrived to investigate an aggravated assault and found Glenn Wright, 25, suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services declared him dead on the scene. He was a resident from Northeast, DC.

The MPD is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the homicide.

Anyone with information can call (202)-727-9099 or anonymous information can be sent in through the Text Tip Line by texting 50411.

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Judge Issues 8 Bench Warrants During Pretrial, Probation Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge issued bench warrants in eight of 12 pretrial and probation show cause hearings over which she presided on Oct. 27.

Judge Rainey Brandt issued bench warrants for the arrests of Sandra Holt, Robert Vossburg, Anthony Wainwright, Larry Johnson, Jamal Slaughter, Eynwood Whichard, Jyzel Barefield and James Slater. All of these defendants are a loss of contact with either the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) or the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

Holt is serving three years of probation in three cases. She pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000 in August of last year.

Vossburg is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Defense attorney Lola Ziadie said her client was in Richmond, Va. Judge Brandt told Ziadie to tell her client to come to court immediately, giving Vossburg until the afternoon to show up.

Vossburg did not show, nor did he answer his phone when Judge Brandt tried to call him.

Wainwright is charged with aggravated assault knowingly and a bail violation in two different cases. His attorney, Wole Falodun, has not been able to contact him.

Johnson, 53, is serving one year of probation for distribution of cocaine and a DUI.

According to CSOSA, Johnson has been a loss of contact since early June.

Slaughter is serving two years on probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. According to CSOSA, he has not been compliant with the conditions of his probation.

Whichard, 35, is charged with assaulting a police officer for allegedly biting an officer on his right thigh while being detained on July 13 on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

Whichard’s attorney, Chris Langello, said that his client has severe mental health issues and won’t own a phone because he thinks government agents are tracking him. Langello asked Judge Brandt to continue the hearing in order to give him time to track down his client.

Judge Brandt denied the request, as Whichard picked up this case while on probation.

Barefield, 26, is charged with robbery. On Aug. 7, Barefield allegedly took an iPhone 7 Plus from a victim’s backpack on the 1200 block of G Street, NW.

His attorney, Karen Minor, has not been able to get in touch with him.

Slater, 52, is serving one year of probation for simple assault. He has lost contact with both CSOSA and his attorney, Sharon Weathers.

Judge Brandt continued the hearings of two defendants, Clarence Lambert and Donnell Wilkinson, who did not show up to court.

Lambert, 29, is serving 12 months on probation for two counts of simple assault.

According to CSOSA, Lambert has not been compliant with his probation conditions. He is currently at a treatment facility. However, he will soon be discharged.

Judge Brandt decided to continue the hearing to Oct. 28 and asked for him to be brought down for a hearing to figure out the best solution for Lambert’s situation.

Wilkinson, 35, is serving six months on probation for second-degree theft in two cases.

His attorney, Stephen Logerfo told Judge Brandt that his client is currently being held in DC Jail for another charge.

Judge Brandt continued Wilkinson’s case to Nov. 20, so he could be present.

Judge Brandt continued a hearing to give a defendant time to get in compliance with probation requirements.

Samuel Dickerson is serving two years of probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. Since his release, he has not contacted CSOSA.

Dickerson’s attorney, Dinah Manning, said that her client was confused about what he was supposed to do. She also said that since being released he’s stayed out of trouble and because of that, she asked for the show-cause to be discharged due to the miscommunication.

The prosecution objected and instead asked for a continued hearing in a few months, in order for Dickerson to comply with probation conditions.

Judge Brandt granted the request and scheduled Dickerson’s next case for Jan. 5, 2021.

Judge Brandt transferred the probation of a defendant who plans to move to New York.

David Neysmith, 35, was sentenced to one year of probation for attempted second-degree burglary.

“If he goes to New York and transfers his probation you’re making it impossible for me to have control over the case,” she said. “If he violates his probation in New York it’ll be out of my jurisdiction and different states have different requirements…for example, the state of Maryland makes some people pay money for probationary requirements and Virginia brings on brand new charges if you violate probation.”

Judge Brandt decided to terminate Neysmith’s probation so he can avoid possible different requirements and so he can have a good place to stay.

Judge Holds 2 of 19 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur released 17 defendants, holding one in DC Jail and one in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ (DYRS) custody during their initial hearings.

Judge Arthur held one juvenile defendant charged with armed robbery.

The defendant allegedly stole a car by threatening the driver with a pistol. The defendant took the car with a co-defendant who has also been arrested. The two then allegedly drove the car around Northeast DC before leaving the car. Later, they took another car and crashed into several other vehicles on the 2700 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Oct. 24.

Defense attorney Rachel Cicurel asked for the defendant’s release under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), or on 24-hour home confinement. She argued for release due to the defendant having no criminal history and a supportive family.

Judge Arthur pointed to the concerning facts of the case, including the defendant allegedly having a firearm and fleeing after a crash. Based on this information, Judge Arthur held the defendant under DYRS’ custody because he posed a danger to the community.

Judge Arthur also held a defendant who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Joel Mcpherson, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly punching a man and pointing a handgun at him after a traffic accident on the 200 block of I Street, NE on Aug. 20. After the accident, the victim continued to argue with the defendant resulting in the defendant producing a handgun and pointing it at the victim, according to court documents.

The defendant was riding a moped scooter and the victim was on a bicycle when the two collided.

Mcpherson’s attorney, Colleen Archer, asked for her client to be released. She said the defendant was using a BB gun instead of an actual pistol and pointed to his limited criminal history. Mcpherson has one prior conviction for burglary in Maryland with his probation set to expire in November.

“This was an armed offense…He is also on probation for first-degree burglary in Maryland,” Judge Arthur said.

Judge Arthur released one defendant who was charged with simple assault and threats to do bodily harm. However, the defendant was held on an outstanding federal warrant.

Barbara Francis, 58, is charged with simple assault and threats for allegedly getting in a verbal argument with a bus operator on the 100 block of Florida Avenue, NW on Oct. 26. The defendant supposedly berated the bus operator and tried to spit on a passenger who was attempting to de-escalate the situation.

Defense attorney, Colleen Archer, asked for Francis to be released. Judge Arthur granted the request and released the defendant with a no harassing, assaults, threats or Stalking (HATS) order. While the defendant was released in this case, she was held on an unrelated federal arrest warrant.

Judge Arthur released a felony sex abuse defendant on HISP.

The defendant is charged with first-degree child sex abuse. In addition to putting the defendant on HISP, Judge Arthur issued a stay away order for the victim and the victim’s family, school, and home.

Judge Arthur released two domestic violence defendants.

One defendant is charged with simple assault and was released with a stay away order.

The second defendant is charged with simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm. Judge Arthur issued a stay away order from the victim and her residence.

During the hearing, the defendant was visibly shaken by the news and broke down in tears. The defendant’s attorney asked for the order to be modified to let the defendant continue to live in his apartment and contact the victim to arrange visits with his children.

Judge Arthur explained that an existing Temporary Protective Order (TPO) made it impossible for him to remove the conditions. The defendant was ordered to vacate his residence until the victim moves and arrange visitation through a third party.

Judge Arthur released seven defendants charged with various misdemeanors. The charges include theft, a bench warrant, operating a vehicle after revocation, driving without a permit, destruction of property less than $1,000, attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawful entry on private property.

Hearings for two defendants were continued because they are in the hospital. One is charged with being a fugitive from Virginia, the other defendant is charged with destruction of property less than $1,000.

Four defendants who are charged with being fugitives from justice from Maryland and Virginia were released to resolve their outstanding warrants in their respective states. They face underlying charges of assault and failure to appear at a traffic hearing.

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