Judge Sentences Defendant for Assault on A Police Officer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judge Sentences Assault Defendant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judge Denies Bond Motion for Defendant in Domestic Violence Case

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

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

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

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

The victim fled the scene.

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

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

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

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7276301-10-23-20-Vehicle-of-Interest-Sought-in-Robbery.html” responsive=true]

Document: Suspects Sought for Armed Kidnapping

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

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

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

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

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

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

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7276125-Suspects-Sought-in-Armed-Kidnapping-10-23.html” responsive=true]

Document: Vehicle Sought in Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

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

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

The vehicle of interest was captured by a surveillance camera.

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Document: Suspect Sought in Assault Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in connection to an assault with a dangerous weapon that occurred on Oct. 23.

At approximately 7:41 p.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The suspect stabbed the victim and then fled the scene.

According to an MPD press release, the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect can be seen in the photos below.

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Document: Police Seek Suspect for Armed Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect for an armed robbery that occurred on Oct. 19.

At around 9:17 p.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. While brandishing a handgun, the suspect demanded property from the victim. The victim complied, and the suspect fled the scene in the victim’s car.

The suspect can be seen in the photos below.

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Document: Suspects Sought for Armed Robbery Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking suspects in connection to an armed robbery that occurred on Oct. 24.

At around 9:01 a.m., the suspects approached the victim on a moped on the 3400 block of Croffut Place, SE. One of the suspects brandished a handgun and took property from the victim before fleeing the scene.

The suspects can be seen in the photos below.

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Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Assault With a Knife

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that occurred on Oct. 22.

At around 11:50 a.m. the suspect approached the victim on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE and stabbed the victim with a knife. The suspect then fled the scene but was apprehended by MPD.

They arrested a 51-year-old from Southeast, DC and charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7276118-10-24-20-Arrest-Made-in-an-Assault-With-a.html” responsive=true]

Judge Issues 3 Bench Warrants During Pretrial Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over seven pretrial show cause hearings on Oct. 23.

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 re-arrested for allegedly kicking in the glass door of a liquor store that following December.

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

Harrington was removed from home confinement in his last hearing on Oct. 9. Since then he has violated his stay away order twice.

“You’ve put me in a really tough position here,” said Judge Julie Becker. “I don’t want to have to put you back on home confinement.”

Judge Becker decided to discharge the show cause, but warned Harrington that if he enters his stay away zone again he will be placed back on home confinement.

Dashawn Vines is charged with assault on a police officer, threats to do bodily harm, resisting arrest and unlawful entry of private property.

Vines, 20, was advised on Aug. 14 by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that he was barred from a hotel on the 50th block of M Street, SE. He was escorted out, but then he allegedly entered again despite being warned repeatedly that he would be arrested. Vines allegedly attacked officers when they moved to arrest him.

The PSA reported that Vines has been noncompliant and has failed to check in weekly.

Judge Becker decided to continue the show cause hearing to Nov. 20 so Vines has another chance to comply with his release conditions.

Ashley Hines was not present for his pretrial show cause hearing and has been a total loss of contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) since February.

Hines, 56, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender and for not appearing before the court as ordered. He was convicted of assault with intent to commit rape in 1986 and is supposed to be a lifelong registree on the sex offender list.

Judge Becker granted the prosecution’s request to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.

Elton Harper, 45, was also absent from his pretrial show cause hearing. He has not been compliant with PSA since his release in May.

Harper is charged with possession of amphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

His attorney, John Machado, said he has not heard from his client.

Judge Becker issued a bench warrant for his arrest as well.

Judge Becker also issued a bench warrant for Jerome Hinkel after he failed to appear for his pretrial show cause hearing.

Hinkel, 47, is charged with unlawful possession of cocaine and has been a loss of contact since his release in March.

Defense attorney Angela Ramsey said that her client is homeless and she has no way of contacting him.

Samuel Broughton, 23, is charged with simple assault after he allegedly pushed a man when they were fighting about electric scooters on Oct. 9, 2018. He was re-arrested while on pretrial release for failing to appear in court for a separate case.

According to the PSA, Broughton has been a loss of contact since April.

Broughton’s attorney, Sean Murphy, says his client did not own a phone until recently. With a phone, Murphy says will be able to comply with the PSA conditions.

Judge Becker extended the show cause to Nov. 20, so Broughton can come back into compliance.

Abel Gizaw’s pretrial show cause was discharged by Judge Becker since the PSA reported that he has come back into compliance.

Gizaw is charged with second-degree theft and receiving stolen property over $1,000.

Judge Becker said that he must maintain his release conditions going forward and set the next hearing for March 10.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Document: Police Seek Second-Degree Burglary Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s help identifying the suspect of a second-degree burglary that happened on Oct. 20.

At around 10:42 p.m., a suspect entered an establishment on the 7600 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, took property and fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7276087-10-25-20-Suspect-Sought-in-a-Burglary-Two.html” responsive=true]

Crime Alerts: October 25-26

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 25 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 26, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out six crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 8:42 a.m. for a stabbing on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, 5’9″ in height, short dreadlocks, wearing a black coat and skull cap.

An alert for a robbery investigation was sent at 1:42 a.m. on the 300 block of Hawaii Avenue, NE.

At 12:51 a.m., an alert for a stabbing was sent on the 1800 block of Good Hope Road, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

MPD sent an alert at 9:33 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 1200 block of Meigs Place, NE.

A robbery snatch investigation alert was sent at 9:21 p.m. on the 900 block of U Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a navy blue shirt and dark colored pants.

The final alert was sent at 9:08 p.m. for an armed robbery investigation on the 1300 block of D Street, NE. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect is wearing a ski mask with a blue sweatshirt, and the second suspect is wearing a green hoodie with black joggers/jeans.

Document: Police Warns Public About PEPCO Scam

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is warning the public about potentially fraudulent activity in DC concerning PEPCO.

Police say that a call to a business or residence saying “your PEPCO bill is overdue and unless you provide funds within the next hour your service will be shut off” is an attempt to gain money from people that will not be applied to their PEPCO account.

In most cases, these funds are not recoverable and victims will still owe PEPCO.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7276057-10-23-20-MPD-Warns-of-PEPCO-Scams-in-Washington.html” responsive=true]

Judge Holds 5 and Releases 20 During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples released 20 and held five defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings.

Anthony Jones, 23, is being charged with second-degree murder while armed. Jones is charged with shooting and killing 29-year-old Cimerron Kennedy on the 3500 block of Jay Street, NE. On Sept. 21, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a report of a shooting. When MPD arrived on the scene, Kennedy was unconscious and not breathing. After compiling evidence that consisted of surveillance footage, still images and the alleged identification of Jones, the MPD arrested Jones on Oct. 23.

Jones’ attorney, Jason Tulley, argued that because the suspect is seen wearing shoulder-length dreads in the surveillance footage and Jones’ dreads are past his shoulders. He also noted that the two officers who identified Jones as being the alleged suspect were initially unsure of their identification of him.

“This case is paper-thin. ,” Tulley said, referring to the initial police affidavit as a “joke.”

The judge denied his request to dismiss the probable cause allegations and decided to hold Jones until his next court date on Nov. 12.

Roderick Chew, 31, was arrested on Oct. 23 for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. According to court documents, while members of the MPD were conducting an observation on the 4000 block of Edson Place, NE, they allegedly observed what appeared to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction between Chew and another person.

Officers attempted to stop Chew after he returned to his car, but he drove away, fleeing the officers. A first-responder allegedly saw Chew throw a gun out the window as he was driving away.

After officers stopped Chew’s vehicle, he was positively identified by the members of the MPD and the first-responder as the suspect. Chew was then placed under arrest for possessing a firearm with a previous conviction.

Judge Staples denied the motion to release the defendant and decided to hold Chew due to his previous criminal activity.

A defendant, 56, is being held for contempt and a misdemeanor for sexual abuse allegations. The prosecution requested that the defendant be held and requested a stay-away order from the victim. This is the defendant’s second charge against the same victim, and he has been non-compliant with his pretrial conditions in the past.

“Things appear to be escalating, and given the fact that he is unlikely to comply with pretrial conditions, he will be held,” said Judge Staples.

There were two defendants who were being transferred to the District Court and had mandatory holds. Both defendants have dates to return to court on Oct. 26.

Initially, there were two more defendants that the judge considered holding during the court hearings, but the motion to hold them was denied due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of those released, four defendants are charged in domestic violence cases. The charges included simple assault, unlawful possession of ammunition, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, and theft and destruction of property worth less than $1,000. All defendants were released with stay-away orders from the alleged victims.

Two of the three defendants being charged with felonies who were released are also charged with carrying a pistol outside a home or business. They were ordered not to possess any unlawful firearms in DC. The other defendant is charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Judge Staples also released nine defendants being charged with misdemeanors. All nine of the defendants were given stay-away orders from places and the alleged victims. The defendants were also ordered to report to Pretrial Services (PSA) once a week as part of their release conditions.

Two defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice, were released and ordered to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdiction.

Among those released was a defendant charged with drinking while operating a vehicle and another defendant who was charged with failing to appear in court. Both defendants were released under PSA supervision.

Two defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice, were in the hospital and had their hearings moved to Oct. 26.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

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