Judge Denies Defendant’s Request for Release

On Aug. 5, a DC Superior Court judge rejected a defendant’s release request and scheduled a hearing to determine if his case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Mark Chambliss, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for an incident that occurred on May 3 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found a victim on the scene suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper back. They also found Chambliss, who was shot in the leg.

Chambliss has been held in DC Jail since being charged on June 10.

Sellano Simmons, Chambliss’ attorney, argued for his client’s release, saying he was the victim of the offense.

Simmons said his client had his home searched three times as police investigated the incident, and that a firearm was never recovered. He also said his client cooperated with detectives’ investigation, even as they “kicked in” his door to search his home.

The prosecutor opposed Simmons’ request, arguing that the defendant is also involved in another case in which he is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The other case also occurred on the same block.

Chambliss was indicted in that case on March 11 for two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

Judge John Campbell said Simmons’ arguments had been made before and that, regardless of how substantial the defense viewed the evidence against Chambliss, he is accused of two dangerous offenses.

Chambliss is scheduled to appear again in court on Aug. 20 for his preliminary hearing.

Hearing Continues So Defense Can Consider Plea

On Aug. 5, DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell continued a defendant’s felony status conference hearing to Sept. 2.

Tayvon Miles was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers retrieved a firearm from his person on June 12 on the 2200 block of Payne Terrace, SE.

The prosecution said they recently extended a plea offer to the defendant. Clarence Powell, Miles’ attorney, said he will be able to discuss the deal with his client and report back to the judge at the next hearing date.

Miles, 23, criminal history includes a guilty plea for carrying a pistol without a license in 2016.

Crime Alerts: August 5

On Aug. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out four crime alerts for crimes in Washington, DC.

The most recent alert, which was sent at 3:29 p.m., was of a stabbing on the 4200 block of Foote Street, NE at 3:04 p.m.

At 12:46 p.m., the police sent out an armed carjacking alert on the 200 block of Newcomb Street, SE. Police are looking for a 2012 dark blue Chrysler, 300c, 4-door, bearing DC tags: FV8110. The police are also looking for two suspects. The first suspect is a black male, 29-30 years old and 180-190 pounds. The second suspect is a black male with long dreadlocks, light complexion, and is 180-190 pounds. The suspects were last seen on the 200 block of Newcomb Street, SE going towards Malcom X.

At 10:36 a.m., MPD sent out an alert for a robbery (gun) on the 4500 Block of Foote Street NE. Police are looking for three black males. The first suspect is about 270 pounds, wearing all black clothing, a black mask, and armed with a handgun. The second suspect is 120 pounds, wearing all black clothing, a black mask, and also armed with a handgun. The third suspect is wearing all black clothing and a black mask. The suspects were last seen in a Black Honda CRV bearing Maryland temporary tags: 318322T.

A little after midnight police sent the first alert for the day for a shooting on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. A description of the suspect was not available.

Judge Releases Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge released a domestic violence defendant.

The defendant was charged with unlawful entry, second-degree theft, and simple assault on April 22 in a domestic violence case.

The Aug. 5 hearing was scheduled to address a noncompliance issue with the terms of his probation.

The prosecution said the defendant violated a stay away order by visiting his girlfriend, who was the victim. She asked that the stay away order change to a no harassment, assault, threatening and stalking (HATS) order.

Judge John McCabe granted the request.

The defendant’s probation officer also said he failed to report to drug testing in July. Judge McCabe responded that he would be giving the defendant more time to come into compliance.

Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein asked that her client be taken off the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) in an unrelated misdemeanor case, as he has not violated his release conditions.

“Please get this thing off of my leg,” the defendant said.

Judge McCabe said the defense would have to make a request to the judge presiding over that case.

In 2019, the defendant was sentenced to 180 days for simple assault and 90 days for destruction of property less than $1,000 in a domestic violence case, according to DC Courts. Both sentences were suspended in their entirety. He also received 12 months of probation.

Judge Holds 4 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Aug. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held four out of 17 defendants during their initial hearings.

Joshua Foxworth appeared before the court on a bench warrant that was issued on July 31 by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith. Foxworth has underlying charges of first-degree theft and receiving stolen property from an offense he allegedly committed on April 11, 2019.

Judge Herrmann held Foxworth, saying she had spoken to Judge Smith, who requested she hold him.

Ahmed Sellers is charged with contempt of court. He is a fugitive from Maryland, where he is charged with a probation violation. Sellers was on probation in an unlawful entry case, and also has three other pending cases currently.

Judge Herrmann decided to release him in the contempt matter, but held him in the fugitive matter. Sellers decided he wanted to waive extradition, meaning Maryland officials have three business days to retrieve him from DC Jail.

Benjamin Camm is charged of assault with significant bodily injury. At the time of his arrest, he was on release for another assault case.

Judge Herrmann decided to hold Camm, citing his other assault case, long criminal history and conviction in a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) violation case.

Jemell Turner is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business. Turner was on supervision for a pending case with the same charge at the time of his arrest.

Judge Herrmann decided to hold Turner. She cited his pending case and said he was deemed a loss of contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) for some time. She also mentioned she was concerned that Turner was partaking in other illegal activities due to the objects found in his apartment.

One defendant, who is charged with second-degree theft, has been in the hospital since July 20, so Judge Herrmann continued his case to Aug. 6.

Two co-defendants were brought before the court on the charge of distribution of a controlled substance. Judge Herrmann released both defendants with stay away orders.

Another defendant charged with distribution of a controlled substance, along with a defendant is charged with second-degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia were also released with stay away orders.

Two domestic violence defendants were released and ordered to stay away from the victim and place of the incident.

Judge Herrmann released a defendant and ordered him to resolve his warrant in Maryland.

The judge released two defendants charged with unlawful entry, giving one a stay-away order.

One defendant, who had a bench warrant for an underlying case in which he was charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, simple assault and possession of a controlled substance, was also released.

At the request of the prosecution, Judge Herrmann released a defendant charged with assault and ordered him to stay away from the victim and place of the crime.

Another defendant, whose charges are not known due to technical difficulties during the hearing, was released with an order to stay away from the victim.

Bench Warrant Issued for Two Defendants During Extradition Hearings

On Aug. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann oversaw 15 hearings that evaluated each defendant’s fugitive status.

Out of the 15 cases, the prosecution dismissed nine because the defendant had turned themselves in to the demanding jurisdiction.

Judge Herrmann permitted 30-day extensions for four cases at the request of the prosecution, who said that the demanding states had requested the extension.

Judge Herrmann issued a bench warrant for two fugitive defendants who had not fulfilled the court’s orders. One of the defendant’s attorneys said his client may have been detained when he turned himself in.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 8 Months of Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to six months in jail, all of which was suspended, plus eight months of probation.

Anthony Davis pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license on Jan. 28.

During the Aug. 5 sentencing, Judge Michael Ryan ordered Davis, 53, to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

As conditions of his probation, he must take part in any program recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

The prosecutor said the offense was out of character for the defendant, who always focuses outwards on his employment, family life and community.

Judge Ryan and defense attorney Andrew Ain also said the offense was unusual, given Davis’ kind nature.

“I regret all of it,” said Davis. “It was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done.”

On Sept. 7, 2019, the defendant got into an argument with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer after he kicked a beer bottle in the street. During the argument, Davis brandished a handgun, which he pointed in a downward direction on the 1300 block of Savannah Street, SE.

He fled the scene on foot, but was ultimately apprehended by officers.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant Who Did Not Show for Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who violated his pretrial release conditions.

Darian Bullock is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a prohibited weapon, unlawful entry onto private property and simple assault in three different misdemeanor cases.

Bullock, 31, had previously been a loss of contact with Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) for nearly seven months. During a July 17 hearing, he was given more time to come into compliance with his release conditions. . After that, Bullock regained contact with the PSA.

However, Bullock failed to appear in court for a July 31 hearing that was scheduled to address the status of his compliance.

Joseph McCoy, Bullock’s attorney, told Judge Julie Becker that his client is still homeless. McCoy said that, while the defendant is able to hold on to phone numbers fairly well, he often has difficulty holding on to his records.

McCoy also pointed to the recent slew of serious thunderstorms in the DC area from the past few weeks as a reason why he may not have come to court.

Bullock was also required to maintain mental health treatment. McCoy said he has been in regular contact with the wellness center where he receives treatment.

The prosecution, who argued in the previous July 17 hearing for the judge to issue a bench warrant, took up the same position. The prosecutor once again referenced Bullock’s most recent offense, a June 27 incident in which he allegedly assaulted a man with a wooden stick inside a gas station on the 4300 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

Judge Becker said she found the details of the defendant’s most recent offense particularly concerning.

However, she said that if McCoy is able to get back into contact with his client, he is free to walk himself into the court and avoid being held in detention.

“I hope you can get him to come in,” Judge Becker said.

Defendant Enters Agreement with Prosecution

A defendant entered into a Deferred Sentencing Agreement with the prosecution.

During the Aug. 5 hearing, Jaime Contresras pleaded guilty to driving under the influence on the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW on March 1.

As conditions of the agreement, the defendant’s guilty plea will be withdrawn and his case dismissed so long as he does not pick up any new charges within the next year.

DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples scheduled a hearing for Aug. 5, 2021, to review the defendant’s compliance.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 9 Months on Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 30 days, all of which were suspended, plus 9 months of supervised probation on Aug. 5.

James Cleckley pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug on the 2700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on July 23, 2019.

Judge Sean Staples said he would not normally provide jail time, but did so because the defendant was arrested again for the same offense.

As conditions of his probation, the defendant must participate in a traffic safety program, traffic alcohol program and a victim impact panel. Judge Staples also ordered Cleckley pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund.

The defendant must also receive drug testing and treatment as recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

“I completely take ownership of my actions and apologize,” said Cleckley.

Judge Extends Defendant’s Probation

On Aug. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith converted a defendant’s probation to unsupervised and extended it to January 2021.

On June 4, 2018, Keith Johnson pleaded guilty to driving under the influence on the 3900 block of 4th Street, SE on March 17, 2018.

Johnson, 57, was unable to pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund on time due to a cancer-related medical procedure keeping him from work.

The defendant also did not complete an online traffic safety program, which was required for his probation. Defense attorney Thomas Lester said his client does not have internet access.

The prosecution agreed to waive the program because Johnson had already completed a traffic alcohol program and victim impact panel.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 14 Months in Jail

On Aug. 5, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 14 months in jail and three years of supervised release.

Gerard Hill pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on March 13.

Judge Judith Smith ordered that Hill, 34, participate in mental health and substance abuse programs as recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

He must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund and maintain employment.

The prosecution requested the defendant be sentenced to 16 months in jail, citing an unsuccessful probation and issues with substance abuse.

Defense attorney Lola Ziadie asked that the mandatory minimum sentence of one year be imposed. She said her client has never been convicted of a violent offense.

“My journey has not been the easiest, nor do I expect it to be moving forward,” said the defendant, “but that’s okay, because everything worth having is worth fighting for.”

Hill said he continued to study while incarcerated and has been working towards his goal of becoming a personal trainer.

He apologized for his actions, adding that he wants to prove the weight of his words as well.

On Jan. 27, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reported thefts on the 3500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, according to court documents. Upon arrival, officers found Hill shopping at a Walgreens.

Officers asked if he had a weapon on him to which the defendant replied he had a knife and handgun.

After the police left, the defendant stole $440 worth of items.

When DC police arrested Hill later that day, they found cocaine in his pocket.

Homicides Rise More Than 80% in July

Thirty homicides occurred in Washington, DC during the month of July, an 88 percent increase from June.

Homicides rose in all wards except for Ward 3 from June to July. There were 16 homicides in July.

According to D.C. Witness records, 27 of the homicides resulted from shootings, there was one stabbing, one trauma related incident and a missing person investigation that was also classified as a homicide investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.

The July count includes a missing person investigation for 34 year-old Olga Ooro. According to a press release, Ooro has been missing since July 18. Even though her body has not been located, police believe evidence suggests that she may have been murdered.

The case was turned over to the department’s Homicide Branch. Police say the matter appears to have stemmed from domestic violence.

A suspect, 55-year-old Darnell Sterling was charged with second-degree murder in connection to the case. The case is pending a grand jury. Sterling is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 26.

The case is still being investigated.

Police also arrested three other suspects who are linked to a homicide that occurred in July.

Kenneth Wayne Stewart was arrested on July 24 for allegedly stabbing Courtney Jones the day before on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Stewart, 58, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 26.

David Robinson is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 40-year-old Tia Cokley on the 1900 block of 16th Street, Se. Robinson, 39, has a hearing scheduled for Aug. 27.

Willie Hunter was arrested on July 16. The 38-year-old is currently charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting Marc Mayo on the 5400 block of Bass Place, SE on July 16. Mayo succumbed to his injuries on July 27. Hunter is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 21.

There have been 114 homicides in the District of Columbia, as of July 31. According to D.C. Witness data, homicides increased by nine percent from the same time period the year before.

Document: Police Seek Suspect in Homicide Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect that is wanted for a homicide that occurred on July 12 on the 800 block of 19th Street, NE.

Police are looking for 29-year-old Steven Martin Robinson, of Southeast, DC, in connection with 28-year-old Shanika Williams‘ death.

Robinson is wanted for second-degree murder while armed. He is considered armed and dangerous and can be seen in the photos below.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7014859-8-5-20-Suspect-Wanted-in-a-Homicide-800-Block-of.html” responsive=true]

Document: Police Seek Suspect and Vehicle in a Homicide

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department are seeking a suspect and vehicle of interest in a homicide that occurred on July 1 on the 4000 block of Grant Street, NE.

Officers responded to the scene at approximately 1:20 a.m. where they found an unconscious male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victim, now identified as 36-year-old Dennis Dykes was pronounced dead on the scene by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

A suspect and vehicle were captured by a nearby surveillance video, which can be seen below.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7014853-8-5-20-Suspect-and-Vehicle-Sought-in-a-Homicide.html” responsive=true]

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