Judge Holds 8, Releases 27 During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples released 27 defendants and held eight defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings.

Tyrone Brown, 64, was arrested on Oct. 22 for first-degree murder while armed. The incident that occurred took place on Oct. 1 when Brown allegedly shot and killed 45-year-old Orlando Miller at Brown’s residence on the 1700 block of Lang Place, NE. Brown and Miller had been friends for around ten years, according to court documents.

Brown’s attorney, Stephany Reaves, argued that Brown should be released due to insufficient evidence regarding Brown’s involvement with the case. She also mentioned their friendship, which did not appear to have any “bad blood.”

Judge Staples found probable cause stating that evidence in the police report was sufficient, citing that Brown is allegedly seen on surveillance footage putting something in his pocket after the shooting, saying, “I had enough of you.”

Based on the nature and circumstances of the crime, Brown’s already pending drug possession case and his “very, very long criminal history,” Judge Staples denied the release request and held Brown at the DC Jail. A new court date is set for Nov. 12.

Nahum Posner is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. On Oct. 22, Posner, 51, was seen on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE and began stabbing the victim repeatedly. According to defense counsel, Posner deals with schizophrenia and was not on any medication on the day the offense.

Posner’s attorney, Carl Messineo, argued that he should be enlisted in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) instead of being detained. The judge denied that motion based on the severity of the case and held Posner at the DC Jail.

Deangelo Mitchell, 28, is charged with robbery. According to court documents, Mitchell approached the victim at the Friendship Heights Metro station and informed the victim that he needed $140 to attend his grandmother’s funeral.

“I can take everything from you. I have a gun on me,” Mitchell said as he walked the victim to the ATM, where the victim withdrew $40.

Because of the severity of the offense and Mitchell’s past criminal history, Judge Staples decided to hold him.

A defendant is being held in a domestic violence case with charges of destruction of property less than $1,000 dollars, contempt and simple assault. Judge Staples said this is the defendant’s second case against the same victim this month, noting the escalating behavior in which he allegedly punched the victim in her face and broke windows at the residence. The defendant was held at DC Jail.

Dwayne Washington is charged with first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle and no permit. On Oct. 21, Washington, 37, wrongfully obtained and used a car that was not his with the intent to steal the vehicle.

Washington’s attorney, Reaves, argued that there was no evidence that the vehicle was stolen. “There is nothing in the Gerstein that states he did not know he did not have permission to be driving the vehicle,” Reaves said.

Judge Staples denied Reaves’ release request upon finding probable cause, citing that Washington already has pending cases. He said Washington is unlikely to abide by conditions of release.

A 41-year-old defendant is charged with sexual abuse and simple assault. During the hearing, the defendant attacked the officer in the Central Cell Block at the DC Jail. Judge Staples held the defendant, citing an attack that occurred during the hearing and similar offenses that the defendant has been charged with recently.

Kurtis Jackson is charged with being a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted in Maryland for failing to appear at his hearing. Jackson is charged with burglary in his underlying Maryland case. Judge Staples decided to hold Jackson for Maryland authorities to retrieve him, citing that he has multiple pending burglary charges in Maryland.

The final defendant held was Aman Ghirmi. Ghirmi, 49, was brought to court on two separate cases. In the first case, the defendant is charged with armed robbery for allegedly demanding $100 from the victim at gunpoint on the 700 block of Decatur Street, NW on Oct. 23.

Ghirmi was also brought in as a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted in Virginia for a probation violation with an underlying charge of robbery. Given the circumstances of his new case and the similarity of the charges in his Virginia case, Judge Staples decided to hold the defendant pending his next hearing on Nov. 12.

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

Two defendants charged with being fugitives from justice were released by Judge Staples. He ordered the defendants to turn themselves in to authorities in the demanding jurisdictions of Virginia and Maryland.

Six defendants charged with felonies were also released. Five of the defendants are charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of the home or a business and the other is charged with fleeing a law enforcement officer. The defendants with the weapons charges were all ordered not to possess any unlawful firearms in DC.

Judge Staples also released 12 defendants charged with misdemeanors. Five of the defendants were given stay-away orders while one was given a no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking (HATS) order. The rest were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week.

Two defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice, had their hearings moved to Oct. 24 because they are both in the hospital.

This article was written by Emily Pengelly and Krystin Roehl

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Assault Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that an assault with a dangerous weapon has enough evidence to go to trial.

Bernard Speight is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a victim on the 4900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on July 23.

Speight’s co-defendant, Darryl Williams, is charged with assault with intent to commit armed robbery. However, his case was not heard during the Oct. 23 preliminary hearing, although that was originally the intention.

Williams, 53 is currently being held at DC Jail on a parole warrant. His attorney, Atiq Ahmed, said he has not been able to get in touch with his client but will try to do so again sometime next week.

The parties decided to proceed with Speight’s case anyway.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective identified Speight, 35, from MPD Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage from July 23, the day of the incident.

The detective also testified that the victim picked out Speight from a nine-person photo array. The victim said he was “eight of ten” sure that was the person who cut him with a knife.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Stephen Logerfo asked the detective about the BWC footage, where an officer is talking to Speight. Speight is holding a knife that the officer checks out which has no blood on it. The detective confirms that this is true.

Logerfo used this point in his argument. There was a picture shown by the prosecution that showed the victim’s stomach exposed and bleeding while he was talking to the police.

“There’s a significant amount of blood from the picture,” said Logerfo. “He (Speight) was stopped close by and in a close amount of time to the incident and no blood was found on the knife.”

Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause from the description of the knife by the victim and the identification of the witness.

Speight will remain held at the DC Jail.

Judge Raymond scheduled a status conference for Nov. 2 for Ahmed to get updates on his client, with a potential preliminary hearing to be scheduled.

Since the case involved both defendants, Speight’s next status hearing will also be scheduled on Nov. 2.

Sex Abuse Defendant Remains on Home Confinement in Virginia

A DC Superior Court judge denied a request to take a sex abuse defendant who is receiving medical treatment in Virginia off of home confinement.

The defendant is charged with first-degree child sex abuse in a felony domestic violence case on Sept. 16, 2019.

The defendant was placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), and on home confinement three days later. However, due to the defendant’s medical condition, Judge Anita Josey-Herring adjusted the release conditions to allow him to be on home confinement at a hotel near his hospital in Fredericksburg, Va.

During the Oct. 23 hearing, defense attorney Roderick Thompson asked Judge Josey-Herring to remove his client from home confinement, and place him in general supervision.

Judge Josey-Herring immediately denied this request.

“I don’t want to put other people at risk,” she said. “That is my primary concern.”

Judge Josey-Herring went on to say that protections needed to be in place to lower the risk of the defendant reoffending, given the seriousness of the charge.

Thompson reiterated that the defendant is currently receiving chemotherapy for his medical condition, and that living in a hotel creates financial burden.

The prosecutor did not agree with Thompson’s request for his client’s removal from HISP. The prosecutor said that the defendant had allegedly violated his conditions of release, and had been warned in the past that if he did so he would be detained.

Judge Josey-Herring continued the hearing, as she did not have time to deliberate further on the matter.

“While I do appreciate that he is not in good health, generally speaking…he is charged with first-degree sex abuse,” she said.

She asked Thompson to file a written order with modified release conditions that would ensure the safety of the community, and she would consider the matter again at the following hearing.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12.

Judge Denies Motion to Take Kidnapping Defendant Off GPS Monitoring

A DC Superior Court judge denied a defense attorney’s request to have her client taken off GPS monitoring.

Buda Mulla is charged with kidnapping for allegedly trying to run off with a toddler on July 8.

Mulla, 56, is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with orders to receive mental health treatment.

During the Oct. 23 hearing, a representative from the Public Defender Services (PDS) said Mulla has been receiving mental health treatment every week. Mulla’s defense counsel, Dinah Manning, requested that he be removed from HISP due to his compliance.

“He had 55 years of a pristine record, and now this happened,” said Judge Julie Becker.

Judge Becker denied the defense’s request, saying she wanted the court to be able to understand what led Mulla to the alleged offense before placing him into general supervision.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was called to the corner of 15th and E Street, NW. Mulla allegedly grabbed the three year-old and attempted to flee the scene.The parents were able to tackle Mulla to the ground, according to court documents. Mulla walked to a bench nearby, and sat down. MPD was able to approach the defendant and arrest him.

When asked why he grabbed the child, Mulla reportedly said, “I wanted to pull the kids into the kingdom of Heaven.”

The child was not seriously injured.

Mulla’s next hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2021.

Defendant Waives Right for Presence At Hearing

On Oct. 23, a defendant waived his right to be present for his upcoming preliminary hearing, which will determine if his case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Rakeem Willis is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed with a sharp object. He is accused of stabbing another inmate at the DC Jail, where he was being held while awaiting trial for murder.

The preliminary hearing had previously been rescheduled twice because Willis, 28, refused to take a COVID-19 test.

Judge Neal Kravitz said the court is not currently offering virtual appearances at preliminary hearings for first-degree felony defendants. One preliminary hearing can often take hours to complete and the DC Jail only has two or three facilities to offer virtual hearings.

If Willis were to appear in person, he would have to go through a quarantine process upon returning to jail. Defense attorney Michael Bruckheim said this was not something his client was willing to do.

Judge Kravitz explained the purpose of preliminary hearings and the potential consequences of not being present for the event. Willis acknowledged these consequences but still asked for the waiver.

Judge Kravitz determined that Willis knowingly and voluntarily made the decision to waive his right to appear in person on Monday.

The preliminary hearing is set to take place on Oct. 26.

Wills is also charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting 24-year-old Tyrik Hagood, 26-year-old Javon Abney, and 26-year-old Sean Shuler on Jan. 26, 2019. on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Judge Reschedules Sentencing Because Defense Counsel Is Unprepared

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a sentencing that was set to happen on Oct. 23 because defense counsel was unprepared to proceed.

Andrew Wooten pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for assaulting someone with a brick on Nov. 7, 2019.

Wooten, 35, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. He took a plea deal in December 2019.

Judge Milton Lee re-scheduled the sentencing for Nov. 19. In the meantime, Wooten will remain released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP,) as he has been for most of the duration of his case.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

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

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