Judge Sentences Defendant Under Youth Rehabilitation Act.

On Oct. 7, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for a drug charge under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

Hector Morano pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance for approaching a plain-clothed Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer at the Fort Totten Metro platform and offering to sell her drugs on Dec. 18, 2019. Morano also scratched a police officer during his arrest.

Morano, 20, was initially charged with distribution of a controlled substance. In February, he was indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest. Pleading guilty to possession as part of his deal with the prosecution allowed his conviction to be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.

The prosecution agreed that the YRA, which will effectively seal his case once he completes his requirements, would benefit the defendant, who was 19 at the time of his arrest.

Judge John Campell sentencedMorano to 180 days, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation. As part of his probation, Morano must complete 90 hours of community service. He must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund.

“Good Luck on probation, I hope we don’t see you back in court,” Judge Campbell said.

Morano expressed his remorse over his actions and promises to never engage in such behavior again. Judge Campell reminded Morano to take advantage of the decision they had reached for his sentencing.

“I really appreciate it, thank you” Morano responded.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Murder Hearing Spans Multiple Days

In the third day of a multi-day hearing, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in a hearing that involved two defendants and two victims.

Michael Mason, 16, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed in the death of 21-year-old Brea Moon in the death of 18-year-old Antwuan Roach.

Mason is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with intent to commit any other offenses while armed. He is being tried as an adult

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ruled that Mason’s murder charge for Roach’s death has enough evidence to go to trial.

The Oct. 6 proceedings focused on the murder charge in Moon’s death. Dajuan Jones, 19, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in her death. Moon was shot in the head on April 7 on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. She died on the scene. Moon was not the intended target, according to court documents.

However, Judge Edelman did not make the probable cause ruling for the defendants until Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Judge Edelman decided to hold Mason at the DC Jail in light of the nature of the cases. However, Jones’ detention is not clear because he is implicated in an assault with the intent to kill case that is currently undergoing proceedings.

Judge Edelman said he would make his ruling on Jones’ detention after the other case concludes, which the judge is also presiding over.

Roach was shot to death on May 22 in an alley behind the 3800 block East Capitol Street, NE, according to court documents.

Court documents also state that Roach had been involved with several incidents targeting members of the gang Mason is known to be affiliated. According to court documents, Mason told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers he did not get along with Roach when the two of them were in juvenile detention together.

A MPD detective testified that Mason engaged in an Instagram direct message conversation with an undisclosed person immediately prior to the shooting. This conversation detailed how Roach was identified as a target on the Metro.

According to court documents and witness testimony, Mason is alleged to have said on an Instagram Live broadcast after the murder, “I have seen a roach and I stepped on it.”

The detective also testified that a witness informed the MPD that the Instagram account belonging to Mason was reacting to posts about Roach’s murder.

According to court documents, further investigation into the Instagram account revealed Mason was trying to trade his handgun for another firearm shortly after the shooting.

While the defense questioned how MPD connected the Instagram account to Mason, Judge Edleman agreed with the prosecution that there was sufficient evidence to connect the account and its activities to Mason.

On Oct. 6, the prosecution called another MPD detective to testify about the investigation into Moon’s death.

The detective was able to positively identify Mason who was present in the courtroom. Jones was appearing through Webex so there was not an opportunity to identify him in court. However, the detective did verify both Mason and Jones’ images through several Instagram photos.

Prescott Loveland and Andrew Ain, defense attorneys for Jones and Mason, questioned the inconsistencies within witness statements that implicated their clients.

Loveland said two witness statements were factually inconsistent with one another and the MPD had even confronted one of those witnesses for making a false statement.

But, the detective was unable to offer clarification on the inconsistencies. She said she could only refer to what was stated in court documents.

In March, Jones was found not guilty by a jury in the murder of 26-year-old Cheyenne Washington.

Another hearing on the case is scheduled for Dec. 10.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article

Document: Homicide in Deanwood

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Oct. 6 in the Deanwood neighborhood of DC.

At around 9:08 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE for the sounds of gunshots. There, they found Michael Bright suffering from a gunshot wound.

Bright, a 30 year-old resident of Northeast, DC, was taken to the hospital, but ultimately pronounced dead.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for second-degree burglary.

At around 3:45 a.m. on Sept. 3, a suspect forced his way into an establishment on the 400 block of H Street, NE. Once inside, the suspect took property and fled the scene.

A suspect was arrested on Oct. 6.

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Crime Alerts: September 7

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out six crime alerts during the evening hours on Sept. 6 to the morning hours on Sept. 7.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:02 a.m. for a robbery investigation on Minnesota Avenue, NE and Ridge Road, SE. Police are looking for two black males who are wearing dark clothing with light blue surgical masks.

The next alert was sent at 12:51 a.m. for an assault with the intent to rob by gunpoint on the 1700 block of 1st, NW. Police are looking for three black males who are approximately 16- 18 years old and 5’8″ tall. One suspect is considered to be armed with a silver/grey handgun, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. Another suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. The police to do not have a description for the third suspect.

At 11:41 p.m. on Sept. 6, police sent out an alert for a robbery by gun at 11th Street and Monroe Street, NW. Police are looking for three black males, 15-17 years old with dark complexions, wearing black clothing, and armed with handguns.

At 9:37 p.m., a crime alert was sent for a shooting investigation on the 4500 block of Lee Street, NE. Police do not have a lookout at this time.

At 8:59 p.m., an alert was sent for a robbery investigation on the 2600 block of 29th Street, SE. The police are looking for one black male who is armed with a handgun. The suspect fled the scene in a 4-door Gold Mercedes with DC Tags towards Southern Avenue, SE.

At 5:46 p.m. another robbery alert was sent for an investigation on the 3200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Police are looking for two black males in a black Jeep Compass with DC tags.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call 911.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Attempted Sexual Abuse

On Oct. 6, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for attempted misdemeanor sexual abuse.

Monroe Chase pleaded guilty to the charge for breaking and entering into the victim’s apartment and trying to force himself onto the victim on Jan. 3, 2020, in Southeast, DC. He also threatened to harm the victim’s partner, who was in the residence during the incident.

Chase was initially charged with first-degree burglary and threats to kidnap or injure a person, but the charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement. The prosecution also downgraded his charge of assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse to attempted misdemeanor sexual abuse.

Judge Juliet McKenna sentenced Chase to 180 days, all of which were suspended, plus two years of supervised probation. Chase must also stay 50 feet away from the victim, submit to a drug and alcohol assessment and any following recommendations by the Court Supervision and Services Agency (CSOSA), and pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund.

The defendant has been released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) since Feb. 21. He has been compliant with all conditions of his release. He also has no prior adult criminal history.

“Mr. Chase has been amazing on release, complied with all conditions, and I have no doubts that he will do fantastic on probation,” said defense attorney Amanda Rogers.

Chase was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act (YRA), which gives him the opportunity to have his case effectively sealed if he successfully completes his requirements.

Judge Releases 16 Defendants, Holds Four During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 6, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 16 defendants and held four defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings.

Judge Crowell held two defendants in assault cases.

The first defendant, Derrick Singletary, charged with assault with significant bodily injury, remains detained pending his next court date.

Singletary, 37, was held due to his extensive criminal record and history of multiple bench warrants and simple assaults. The judge also made this decision because Singletary is currently on supervision for a robbery committed in 2018.

The second defendant was held due to the serious nature of the alleged crime.

He is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a domestic violence case. Judge Crowell found it alarming that the defendant fired a firearm at two individuals after assaulting them.

The third defendant held was John Morgan, who is charged with second-degree burglary. He was held because he is currently on probation for the exact same offense from 2019.

The 55-year-old also has 43 separate convictions, a history of tampering with GPS monitoring devices and multiple probation violation reports.

The final defendant held was Robert Taylor, Jr., who pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse in March of 2019.

As per sentencing, Taylor was given two years supervised probation. Since his release, he has incurred multiple probation violations and bench warrants, which was why Judge Crowell decided to detain him.

Judge Crowell released eight defendants charged with various misdemeanors. All were given stay-away orders or the requirement to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

One of the eight defendants charged with a misdemeanor also had a fugitive from justice charge. She was released with the requirement to turn herself in to Maryland authorities as soon as possible.

Two defendants charged with second-degree burglary were released. One was released with a stay-away order and must report to PSA, while the other was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) and must also report to PSA.

Two individuals in separate domestic violence cases were also released.

The first was charged with simple assault. He was released with the requirement to report to PSA and was given a no harassing, assaultive, stalking or threatening (HATS) order.

The second defendant was charged with simple assault as well as attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. He was released with the requirement to report to PSA, abide by a stay-away order and given the order to not possess a firearm.

Four additional cases were heard by Judge Crowell and all were released with either stay-away orders or the condition to report to PSA.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Kidnapping

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect for an armed kidnapping incident on the 3800 block of 9^th Street, SE.

According to a press release, at 1:58 a.m. a suspect entered a victim’s vehicle and brandished a handgun, forcing the victim to drive to various locations. When the suspect left the vehicle, on foot, the suspect took property from the victim.

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Judge Issues 1 Bench Warrant During Probation, Pretrial Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over nine pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 6.

Judge Julie Becker issued one bench warrant for the arrest of Daniel Greene.

Greene, 38, is serving two years of probation for second-degree theft and receiving stolen property.

Greene was not present at his hearing. His attorney, Daniel Kovler, has not been in contact with him but does know that his client is homeless.

Kovler asked Judge Becker to not issue a bench warrant. Greene is a non-violent offender and because of the pandemic, he doesn’t want his client to be incarcerated.

Judge Becker denied the request because Greene has never been in compliance with his probation conditions.

Judge Becker decided to revoke another defendant’s probation after he asked to be stepped back.

Reginald Cannon was serving 12 months of probation for driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug.

According to CSOSA, Cannon, 28, was caught driving without a permit at the Canadian border. He has also not been in constant contact with CSOSA.

Cannon’s attorney, Claudine Harrison, asked Judge Becker to give Cannon time to comply. However, Cannon asked to speak to his attorney in the middle of the hearing.

After the break, Harrison told Judge Becker that Cannon wants to be stepped back.

“I can’t honestly say that I am willing to comply with the GPS requirement,” said Cannon.

Judge Becker revoked his probation. Cannon will serve 60 days in prison.

Judge Becker continued two cases to give time for the defendants to come into compliance with their conditions.

Maurice Askew is charged with simple assault. Askew, 35, allegedly physically assaulted three different people at a Giant grocery store on the 1000 block of Brentwood Road, NE on April 30, 2019.

According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA,) Askew was recently re-arrested. They asked Judge Becker to order stricter release conditions for Askew by placing him under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Askew’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, asked for his conditions to stay the same because his client is currently employed.

Judge Becker granted Robertson’s request and gave Askew until his Nov. 4 hearing to get into full compliance.

Sean Harris is serving 18 months of probation for destruction of property less than $1,000 and attempted stalking with intent to harm.

CSOSA asked for Harris, 33, to be put on GPS monitoring due to his noncompliance.

Harris’ attorney, Stephanie Johnson, argued that the GPS monitor causes pain to her client’s ankles. He’s also currently homeless which would be a problem when it comes to charging the device.

The CSOSA representative recommended revocation from his probation because Harris hangs up the phone when checking in and he’s made death threats to his former probation officer.

“I’ve been going through a lot,” said Harris. “I’ve been inquiring about anger management and my last CSO officer was manipulating me. I apologize for being in front of you today, your honor.”

Judge Becker decided to continue this case with the same conditions of probation until Harris’ next hearing, which is scheduled on Nov. 16.

Judge Becker continued a show cause hearing because the defendant was recently re-arrested.

Sonya Champ is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. Allegedly, Champ swung a pocket knife at someone outside of a store after being confronted about stealing a pack of beer on the 4100 block of Wheeler Road, SE on Feb. 1.

However, in between the time that this show cause hearing was scheduled, Champ, 39, was re-arrested.

Judge Becker decided to continue the show cause hearing to get updates on the defendant. Champ’s next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9.

Both Gervanni McGriff and Christopher Richardson have become compliant with their release conditions, according to the PSA. Judge Becker decided to discharge both defendants’ show cause hearings.

McGriff, 30, is charged with possession of eutolyne, a synthetic stimulant, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His next status hearing is scheduled for March 30.

Richardson, 34, is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm. His next status hearing is scheduled for Jan. 25.

Judge Becker also continued an assault and bail violation defendant’s two cases for two weeks, to see if CSOSA can get in contact with him.

The defendant’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, has been unable to contact his client. However, he does know that he is homeless and has severe health issues.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant to be issued. Judge Becker denied the request to give extra time to see if the defendant could possibly be hospitalized right now.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20.

Judge Becker continued a hearing in order to trail a new case due to a defendant’s re-arrest.

David Thompson is serving 12 months of probation for carrying a pistol without a license outside the home or business and cocaine possession.

The original charges included possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of drug paraphernalia and sexual solicitation. However, due to a plea agreement, those charges were dropped.

Thompson, 23, was recently arrested, prompting CSOSA to request a probation revocation.

Thompson’s attorney, Daniel Quillin, argued that the other case is ongoing and it’s still only an allegation.

Judge Becker agreed, scheduling Thompson’s next hearing for Feb. 24.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Homicide

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Oct. 6 a suspect for the death of a man in Northwest, DC.

According to court documents, a juvenile female was apprehended for the murder of 20 year-old Hassan Jalloh, a resident from Alexandria, Va. Jalloh was stabbed to death on the 600 block of I Street, NW on Sept. 16.

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Judge Sentences 2 Defendants Under Youth Act

On Oct. 6, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced two defendants in connection with a 2017 fight at Howard University.

On Nov. 19, 2019, 21 year-old Tyler Williams was indicted on charges of assault with significant bodily injury and simple assault. That same day, Elijah Anglin, 24, was indicted on charges of assault with significant bodily harm, threat to kidnap or injure a person and simple assault.

Both defendants resolved their cases with plea deals. In exchange for pleading guilty to simple assault, the prosecution dropped all other charges.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced both defendants to 180 days, all of which was suspended, plus six months of supervised probation. As part of their probation, they must complete 90 hours of community service. Once they do so, they may be able to change their probation to being unsupervised.

Judge Smith sentenced the defendants under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which will effectively seal their cases once they complete their requirements.

At Anglin’s sentencing, the prosecutor showed two videos, one was footage of the fight and one was footage of Anglin arguing with the victim.

The second video was taken before the fight, showing the defendant slapping the victim’s phone from his hand.

The prosecutor asked for anger management classes to be a condition of Anglin’s probation, due to the nature of the offense.

However, Judge Smith denied that request, saying, “I have no information that he has had any similar conduct since the event three years ago.”

Since the incident, Anglin has graduated from Howard with an engineering degree and is currently employed.

The prosecutor also asked for anger management classes to be a condition of Williams’ release, which Judge Smith also decided against.

Williams transferred from Howard and is currently attending Shaw University in North Carolina.

The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) is not currently scheduling community service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both defendants can complete their community service independently and submit paperwork saying they finished their 90 hours to CSOSA.

Both defendants were issued stay-away orders. They must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Felony Contempt

On Oct. 6, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a defendant for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to felony contempt.

Robert Long, 37, picked up the charge for entering an apartment in Southeast, DC on June 10. The defendant had been ordered to stay away from the apartment as a condition of his pretrial release for a case in which he was charged with first-degree sexual abuse. That case was dismissed as part of his plea agreement with the prosecution.

Also as part of a plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to ask for a sentence of 16 months, with all but five months suspended.

Long’s attorney, Jeffrey Stein, asked for the defendant to be put into an inpatient drug treatment program upon release.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled Long to be sentenced on Nov. 10.

He is being held without bond for the felony contempt charge.

Document: Police Arrest Suspects for Burglary

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s 5th District have made two arrests in relation to a burglary on Oct. 6.

According to a press release, the suspects gained entry to an establishment on the 400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. At 3:10 a.m., the suspects entered the location and attempted to flee with property. They were apprehended by responding officers.

The 28-year-old resident of Southeast DC, and a 23-year-old resident of Northeast DC are awaiting their initial hearing for the arrest at DC Superior Court.

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Document: Police Search for Burglary Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department is requesting the public’s help in identifying a burglary suspect.

On Sept. 28, the suspect entered a residence on the 3300 Block of Georgia Avenue, NW, took property and fled the scene.

The suspect was captured on surveillance video.

The department is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

Anyone able to identify the subject should not attempt to engage. Instead, contact the police at 207-727-9099 or text 50411.

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Document: Police Arrest Juvenile for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Oct. 6 a juvenile male in connection with a burglary.

According to a press release, the suspect entered a residence on the 2200 Block of 14th Street, SE by force at 8 a.m. on Feb. 11 and stole property.

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