Judge Holds 10 of 35 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 25 defendants and held 8 in DC Jail and two under the supervision of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) during initial hearings.

Rodney Pickett, 34, is charged with second-degree murder. Pickett allegedly shot 34-year-old Gary Swinson on the 3300 block of 15th Street, SE, on July 12. Swinson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Pickett’s attorney argued against probable cause. She cited multiple inconsistencies in the case, including a lack of witnesses who could place the defendant at the scene.

However, Judge Herrmann found probable cause based on surveillance video that allegedly showed Pickett at the scene, DNA evidence from the murder weapon that matched Pickett and pictures of the murder weapon on the defendant’s phone.

Judge Herrmann held the defendant due to the serious nature of the crime.

Trevon Harrison, 28, is charged with first-degree burglary. Harrison allegedly entered a residence on the 2700 block of Albemarle Street, NW on Oct. 12 and told the victims to give him their property. The defendant and two victims engaged in a physical altercation that resulted in one of the victims and the defendant going to a local hospital.

Harrison’s attorney asked for her client to be released. She said Harrison didn’t know that people lived in the building, and he has no prior felony convictions.

Judge Herrmann held Harrison, taking into account the character of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history, which contains no felony convictions, but some “concerning” misdemeanors. Harrison had been issued 11 bench warrants for failing to appear at his hearings in the past.

Five defendants were held for authorities from Maryland and Virginia to pick them up.

Tajuan Anderson was held on an underlying homicide charge from Maryland.

Stephen Russell and Spencer Isaac were held on underlying bench warrants for failing to appear at their extradition hearings in DC on Oct. 14. They are wanted in Virginia and Maryland, respectively, and will be held in order for authorities to retrieve them.

Two juvenile defendants were both held in DYRS’ custody for authorities from Maryland to pick them up. One is charged with kidnapping, and the other is charged for robbery.

James Cooper, 50, was brought in on two bench warrants for failing to appear at his hearings in two misdemeanor cases where he is charged with possession of a controlled substance and a bail violation. Judge Herrmann released Cooper in both of his bench warrant cases, but he was held in order to deal with a parole violation matter.

Christopher Anderson, 33, is charged with possession of controlled substances, amphetamine and synthetic marijuana. Judge Herrmann released Anderson in his new cases, but he was also held in order to deal with a parole violation matter.

The final defendant who was held pleaded guilty to simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm in a domestic violence case on Oct. 5. The defendant was brought in on a bench warrant as he was accidentally released from DC Jail 17 days before his sentence was finished. Judge Herrmann stated she had no choice but to hold him in order to let his sentence finish.

Of those released, two defendants did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution.

Judge Herrmann released four defendants charged in domestic violence cases. Two of the defendants were given stay-away orders and two were given no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking (HATS) orders in reference to the alleged victims.

Two additional defendants are charged with being fugitives from justice. One defendant is wanted in Georgia for a probation violation, and the other is wanted in Maryland as a material witness. Both defendants were released with orders to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions.

Judge Herrmann released eight defendants charged with misdemeanors. Three defendants were released with stay-away orders, four were released with orders to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and one was put on GPS monitoring with a stay-away order.

Five defendants charged with felonies were released with release conditions including stay-away orders, reporting to PSA and not possessing any firearms in DC.

Four final defendants were released with orders to return back to court. Two of the defendants are charged with traffic cases and the other two were brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings.

Defense Gives Update on DNA Testing

A defense attorney in a felony case provided an update about a DNA test that was requested in March.

Perry Morton was charged with armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in December 2018. The following August, he was indicted for armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit armed robbery, assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, fleeing a law enforcement officer, leaving after colliding with property, possession of an ammunition feeding device and unlawful possession of ammunition.

DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker said the reason for the Oct. 15 hearing was to ensure that the update would be on the record.

Defense attorney Wole Folodun said the requested testing had faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the first two samples collected did not contain enough DNA to satisfactorily complete the test.

Testing of a third sample is expected to be completed as soon as possible, Folodun said he will notify the prosecution of the results in two weeks.

Morton’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 23. In the meantime, he remains released on his promise to return to court with orders to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

Abigail Grifno wrote this article

Domestic Violence Defendant Says He Intends to Plead Guilty

On Oct. 15, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing for a domestic violence defendant who said he intends to plead guilty.

The defendant is charged with threats to kidnap or injure a person. He has been held since the charges were filed against him on Sept. 25. The defendant was also on probation for simple assault in a domestic violence case that dates back to 2019 when he was charged.

Defense attorney Adam Harris said his client intends to accept the prosecution’s plea offer.

Judge Judith Smith scheduled the next hearing for Dec. 2.

Maansi Srivastava wrote this article

Bench Warrants Issued For 3 Defendants During Extradition Hearings

On Oct. 14, a DC Superior Court judge presided over extradition hearings for 30 defendants who are fugitives from justice.

Eleven of the defendants’ cases were dismissed because they turned themselves into the jurisdiction that wanted them.

Judge Heide Herrmann issued a bench warrant for three fugitive defendants who had not fulfilled their court orders.

Judge Herrmann gave the prosecution a 30-day extension in 10 cases. The prosecution is waiting on paperwork from the governors’ offices.

Jacqueline Kelly was taken into custody after the prosecution said paperwork requested that she be held for the demanding jurisdiction.

This article was written by Maria Marzullo and Emily Pengelly

Document: Suspect Arrested for Assault with Intent to Kill

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with an assault with intent to kill offense that happened on Sept. 17.

At around 6:37 a.m., officers responded to the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE for the report of a shooting. There, they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to a hospital.

A suspect was arrested on Oct. 15.

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Judge Continues Hearing for Domestic Violence Case

On Oct. 15, a DC Superior Court judge continued a status conference in a domestic violence case to give the defense time to get the defendant’s signature on files.

The defendant was charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon and cruelty to animals on Jan. 18,. He has been held at DC Jail ever since.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 26.

Yasmeen McGettrick wrote this story

Judge Continues 6 Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over 15 show cause hearings on Oct. 15.

Micheal Nettles, 55, apologized for not getting in touch with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) during the hearing.

Nettles is charged with second-degree theft, attempted threats to do bodily harm and simple assault.

The prosecution was concerned by Nettles’ lack of compliance and wanted to stress the importance of maintaining contact with PSA. However, Nettles has since come back into compliance.

Judge Danya Dayson instructed him to comply with PSA.

Nettles is scheduled to return to court on April 9.

Judge Dayson issued three bench warrants for the arrests of Davon Warren, Antonio Curtis and Victor Nichols after they failed to appear in court.

Warren, 24, is charged with the distribution of PCP. According to PSA, he has been a loss of contact since Sept. 10.

Curtis was sentenced to 18 months of probation for attempted robbery in November 2019. However, he has been non-compliant on several occasions.

Nichols, who is on probation for the destruction of property and second-degree theft, has not been in contact with Court Services and Supervision Agency (CSOSA.) His lawyer has also been unable to contact Nichols but said he would try to get in contact with his client.

Judge Dayson continued six cases in order to give defendants an opportunity to come into compliance with release agreements.

Omara Hussein, 28, is charged with simple assault, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful entry of a vehicle.

CSOSA told the court that while Hussein has not been in direct noncompliance with her release requirements, she has been uncooperative.

Defense attorney Noah Clements said his client has been cooperative with her mental health caseworker and has regularly worked with him. Clements argued that to detain his client would be a detriment to her mental health progress.

Judge Dayson continued the hearing until Nov 19 so as to give Hussein a chance to engage with her CSO in a positive manner.

Sean Bowman, 26, has been a loss of contact since he was released into home confinment during his Feb. 24 presentment hearing.

Defense attorney David Vega said his client has mental health issues and is homeless. He argued that it is possible his client had no knowledge of the hearing due to these factors.

While the prosecution recommended a bench warrant be issued, Judge Dayson sided with the defense and continued the hearing for 30 days and issued a judicial summons. However, she noted the prosecution reserved the right to request a bench warrant if Bowman fails to appear at the Nov 13 hearing.

Judge Dayson also ordered fraud defendant Robert Ownes to come back into compliance with PSA.

Owens, who lives in New York, is involved with some cases in other states as well.

The prosecution noted the new charges in other states are concerning, but they will not be asking for any extra conditions.

Owens said he tried calling PSA but would only get a continuous ring. PSA provided Owens with a phone number to call in the future.

The case will be continued on March 9 of next year.

Judge Dayson agreed to continue drug possession defendant Avery Clayborne’s hearing to Oct. 22.

Clayborne has been a loss of contact since Sept. 8. The prosecution requested a bench warrant be issued as the defendant was not present for the hearing.

However, defense attorney Thomas Lester argued that the court did not give his client adequate notice. Lester argued that he himself sometimes does not receive mail from the court and his office is down the street from the courthouse.

Judge Dayson discharged the show cause hearing for Deago Washington, Diramonie Carter and Dominique Buckman since they have come back into compliance.

Washington, 39, and Carter, 26 are both charged with simple assault.

Buckman, 39, is charged for assault with a dangerous weapon.

Judge Dayson also presided over a hearing for a domestic violence defendant with a bench warrant out for his arrest after he walked into court with the case’s victim.

This defendant is charged with simple assault.

The victim asked to address the court. In response to the prosecution arguing to continue the original stay away order that was issued, the victim asked the judge to lift the stay-away order. She stated the incident was a misunderstanding and attempted to take responsibility for the assault.

Judge Dayson noted how she was concerned that the victim was trying to explain how she was in the wrong. Judge Dayson stressed to the defendant that, under no circumstances, is he allowed to put his hands on the victim in any way.

The defendant will also be required to report weekly by phone to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), verify address and comply with the conditions of his release in other pending cases.

His next hearing is scheduled for Jan 27.

Maria Watkins, who had a bench warrant out for her arrest, came into the court.

Watkins, 25, is charged with possession on an uncontrolled substance.

PSA said she has a history of noncompliance and noted an outstanding case in Virginia.

The prosecution requested that Watkins be placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program(HISP). However stand-in defense attorney, Thomas Key, argued that her crimes are nonviolent and she turned herself in.

Judge Dayson continued the hearing to Nov. 16.

Samuel Dickerson was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon back in 2016. He heard there was a bench warrant out for his arrest and turned himself in to the court.

He was noncompliant with his release agreement to seek treatment.

Judge Dayson continued the hearing to Oct. 22.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article

Document: Suspect Sought in Burglary Case

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are looking for the public’s help to identify a suspect in a second-degree burglary that occurred on Oct. 13.

At around 2:12 p.m., the suspect forcibly entered a building on the 4000 block of Brandywine Street, NW. Once inside, the suspect took property and then fled the scene.

MPD has released a video of the suspect captured by surveillance cameras, which can be seen below.

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Document: Suspect Sought in Traffic Fatality

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Criminal Investigations Division is seeking the public’s help locating a suspect in a traffic fatality.

At approximately 12:27 a.m. on Sept. 17, 2017, a Dodge pickup truck was traveling westbound on Good Hope Road, SE. At the same time, a Honda Accord was traveling eastbound. The Dodge truck crossed into the eastbound lane and struck the Honda head-on, causing the vehicle to travel several feet. The passenger of the Honda was pronounced dead on the scene.

The decedent was identified as 43-year-old Talata Williams.

The operator of the Honda and both the passenger and operator of the Dodge were transported to an area hospital.

On Oct. 3, 41-year-old Terica Younger was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Younger pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault.

The MPD is seeking the public’s help to locate Younger after she failed to appear for sentencing in this case.

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Document: Suspect Sought in Robbery of an Establishment

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are looking for the public’s help locating a suspect in a robbery of an establishment.

At approximately 7:56 p.m. on Oct. 12, a suspect entered an establishment on the 4800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. The suspect jumped over the counter and demanded money. The employees complied and the suspect fled the scene.

On Oct. 14, the MPD released photographs that show the suspect who is sought in connection with the robbery.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

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

At around 6:38 p.m. on Oct. 13, officers saw a suspect brandishing a knife and approaching the victim, who was backing away, on the 500 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. The suspect was apprehended by responding officers.

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Document: Suspect and Vehicle Sought in Connection with Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help identifying a suspect and vehicle in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened on Oct. 9.

At around 12:17 a.m., a suspect approached the victim on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE. The suspect shot the victim and fled the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The suspect and vehicle were captured by a surveillance camera.

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Document: Homicide in Buena Vista Terrace Neighborhood

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Oct. 13.

At around 11:44 p.m., officers found 38 year-old Kevin Eaton, of Northeast, DC on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Judge Holds 3 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 14, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held three defendants in DC Jail and released 25 during initial hearings.

Keshawn Lavender, 19, was held on a carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business charge. Judge Herrmann said Lavender had another pending case against him for the same charge and decided to hold him.

One defendant was held in a domestic violence assault case. “He is a risk to the victim and should be detained,” said the prosecutor.

His attorney, Stephen Riddel, argued that he is not any real danger to the community and should be released under supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution, noting that court documents stated the defendant attempted to strangle the victim.

Judge Herrmann held a second domestic violence defendant, who is charged with contempt of a Temporary Protective Order (TPO). He has also been noncompliant with release conditions for ongoing cases involving a simple assault. The defendant pleaded not guilty, but the judge denied his release and ruled that he should be detained.

Of those who were released, one defendant had their case continued due to being hospitalized at the time of the hearing.

There were four additional defendants charged with domestic violence-related crimes. All were given stay-away orders from their victims.

Six defendants included three charged with felony drug possession. However, all were released with orders to report to PSA before their next hearing on March 17, 2021.

The other three felony defendants were charged with weapons-related offenses. One defendant was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). He is required to be monitored by GPS and must abide by a curfew or else risk being detained.

Judge Herrmann released 11 defendants on misdemeanor charges under various conditions including contacting PSA, stay-away orders and appearing on March 17, 2021, to further address the charges.

One defendant was initially arrested on a fugitive charge and has two misdemeanor cases from 2018. Judge Herrmann released the defendant so he could take care of the fugitive matter. However, she instructed the defendant to call PSA for direction on how to proceed with those outstanding charges.

Three defendants in total were arrested on fugitive charges. All were ordered to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions before their extradition hearings on Dec. 30.

Two final defendants were released on bail with orders to return to court for their next hearing.

This article was written by Maria Marzullo and Emily Pengelly

Judge Issues 3 Bench Warrants During Pretrial, Probation Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over nine pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 14.

Judge Danya Dayson issued bench warrants for the arrests of Anthony Horton, Shawd Tucker and Davon Reddick after they failed to appear in court. All three of them have lost contact with the court and their attorneys.

Horton, 36, is charged with possession of the drug ecstasy, which is also called Molly, and contempt in one case, and bail violation in another.

According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA,) he has only reported to them three times since March.

Horton’s attorney, Clarence Powell, asked Judge Dayson for more time to get in touch with his client. However, Judge Dayson denied the request due to Horton’s history of not showing up to court.

Tucker, 22, is charged with unlawful entry and shoplifting in two different cases.

A PSA representative said Tucker is homeless, but he has failed to comply with his reporting requirements.

Defense attorney Kevin Kassees said he can occasionally get in touch with Tucker’s family members but hasn’t been able to contact his client.

Reddick is serving one year of probation for simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

According to the Court Services Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Reddick’s whereabouts have been unknown since his release. His attorney, Susan Ellis, has also not been able to contact him.

Judge Dayson discharged Lamar Caldwell and Maya Goldsmith’s show cause hearings since they have started coming into compliance with their release conditions.

Caldwell is charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2021.

Goldsmith, 31, is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm.

The defendant did not show up to her hearing, which prompted the prosecution to request a bench warrant.

However, according to the PSA representative, Goldsmith has been in compliance since September.

Goldsmith’s attorney, Heather Shaner, told Judge Dayson that her client has requested a new attorney.

Judge Dayson took note of that and, despite her absence, discharged the hearing.

Goldsmith’s next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2021.

Judge Dayson also continued a hearing for a defendant, so it could trail his new arrests.

Antonio Ortiz is serving 18 months of probation for driving under the influence in his second offense.

According to CSOSA, Ortiz, 54, was re-arrested for a DUI and failed to attend a victim impact panel. The defense requested that this case trail his new cases. Judge Dayson granted the request

Judge Dayson scheduled Ortiz’s next hearing for March 10.

Judge Dayson issued a judicial warning to Terwayne Brown, who is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Brown, 29, has been a loss of contact with the PSA. Brown’s attorney, Damon Catacalos, said his client has left voicemails to his Probation Service Officer, but he has not been called back.

Catacalos asked Judge Dayson for more time to get his client into full compliance.

Judge Dayson granted the request but warned Brown to start reporting consistently. She scheduled Brown’s next hearing for Nov. 10.

Judge Dayson continued a case in order to give time for the attorney to locate her client.

Shanti Parson, 68, is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault, and bail violations in five different cases.

Parson’s attorney, Jacqueline Williams, has not been able to contact her client because she does not have a working number for her. However, she asked for more time to try to locate her.

“She was released during the height of COVID and she has a serious condition that could be deadly if she were to contract COVID,” said Williams. “She has no re-arrests…I currently don’t have a working number for her and she has no stable housing.”

Williams asked for a few weeks to track down her client using a private investigator.

Judge Dayson scheduled Parson’s next case for Oct. 28.

Judge Dayson put a defendant in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) because of new arrests in Prince George’s County, Md.

Alicia McCoy is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, attempted obstruction of justice and perjury in two cases.

The PSA, asked for McCoy to be placed on HISP because of new arrests for assault and gun charges.

McCoy’s attorney, Alicia McCoy, argued that her client has been in communication with the PSA and the new charges are only allegations.

However, Judge Dayson took the PSA’s recommendation.

“Due to the serious allegations, I think HISP is appropriate,” said Judge Dayson. “I’m giving her until Friday to get the GPS installed.”

Judge Dayson scheduled McCoy’s next hearing for Oct. 19 to make sure the defendant got the GPS installed.

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