Judge Sentences Attempted Robbery Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge gave a defendant a suspended sentence for attempted robbery.

Carina Powell entered a bank on the 3800 block of 12th Street, NE and handed the teller a note demanding $2,000 on Feb. 24.

Powell, 27, was originally charged with robbery. In August, she pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.

During the Oct. 21 hearing, Judge Michael Ryan sentenced her to one year, fully suspended, plus 18 months of supervised probation.

Powell was held for five and a half months in this case. She will receive credit for time served.

The prosecution requested a 16-month suspended sentence because of Powell’s history. Powell was on probation when she committed the crime and was pending sentencing for a domestic violence matter.

Defense attorney Raymond Jones recommended a 10-month suspended sentence.

“My drinking makes me do bad things,” said Powell.

Judge Ryan acknowledged the need for proper treatment for Powell.

“The unfortunate truth of our prison system is that the treatment there is not good,” he said.

As part of her probation, Powell must participate in a mental health screening and a GED program.

Prosecution Extends Carjacking Co-Defendants Plea Offer

A DC Superior Court judge continued an Oct. 21 hearing to give the defense time to review a plea offer from the prosecution.

Montoya Woodfolk and Adrian Proctor are both charged with attempted unarmed carjacking for an incident on June 22.

Proctor allegedly forcefully removed a man from the driver’s side of a vehicle and unsuccessfully tried to drive off. He allegedly took items from the car and fled the scene by going off in an SUV that Woodfolk was allegedly operating on the 2800 block of V Street, NE.

Proctor is also charged with unarmed carjacking for allegedly rear-ending a vehicle and driving off with it after the driver exited on June 19 on the 200 block of South Capitol Street, NW.

The prosecution extended the plea offer on Oct. 19.

Proctor’s attorney, Prescott Loveland, said he has not had a chance to talk to his client about it yet.

Proctor, 22, is currently being held in DC Jail. Woodfolk, 21, is on release with orders to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

Judge Erik Christian scheduled the defendants’ next court appearance for Dec. 1.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Theft and Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with three first-degree theft and second-degree burglary offenses.

On Aug. 15 at around 11:30 p.m., a suspect forcibly entered and stole property from an establishment on the 1300 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. The suspect then fled the scene.

Around 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 2, a suspect stole property from a construction site on the 1300 block of 16 Street, NW and then fled the scene.

On Oct. 4 at around 4:15 p.m., a suspect gained access to the construction site on the 1300 block of 16 Street, NW. The suspect stole property and fled the scene.

The suspect, a 58 year-old with no fixed address, was arrested on Oct. 18.

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Crime Alerts: October 20-21

Between 9:00 p.m. on Oct. 20 and 9:00 a.m. on Oct. 21, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out six crime alerts.

The most recent one was sent out at 6:11 a.m. for an armed carjacking that happened at 6:00 a.m. on the 2100 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. Police are looking for a Black male with a medium complexion, white shirt and yellow jacket. They are also looking for a Black male with a dark complexion, stalky build and dark jacket, armed with a handgun, in a 2017 Toyota Tacoma MD tags 4CP4373.

At 5:49 a.m., the MPD sent out an alert for a robbery on the 800 block of First Street Street, NE. Police are looking for a Hispanic male wearing black jackets and blue jeans.

There was also a crime alert sent out at 1:18 a.m. for an attempted robbery.

At 10:20 p.m., police sent out a crime alert for a robbery on the 1200 block of Half Street, SE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a blue shirt with a hood and white strips as well as tan boots. They are also looking for a suspect wearing a black shirt with black and white shoes.

At 9:40 p.m., the MPD sent out a crime alert for a shooting on the 300 block of 50th Street NE. They also sent out a crime alert at 9:27 p.m for a shooting on the 3700 block of 2nd St SE.

Document: Homicide in Lincoln Heights Neighborhood

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Oct. 20.

At around 9:17 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of 50th Street, NE for the sounds of gunshots.

There, they found 43 year-old James Edward Brisbon, of Southeast, DC suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Document: Homicide in Columbia Heights Neighborhood

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Oct. 18.

At around 12:55 a.m., an officer responded to the 1400 block of Perry Place, NW for the report of a man down.

There, the officer found 64 year-old Saul Hernandez, of Northwest, DC suffering from blunt force trauma. He was taken to the hospital, but ultimately pronounced dead. An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death to be a homicide.

A second adult male was also found non-life threatening injuries and taken to a hospital for treatment.

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Judge Reschedules Day 2 of Murder Prelim

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled the second day of a hearing intended to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Wesley Scott Jr., 20, is charged with first-degree murder and Michael Benbow, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of David Young. Young was 28 when he was fatally shot from a car on April 3 on the 3500 block of 22 Street, SE.

The preliminary hearing started on Oct. 15. After running out of time, Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled the hearing to pick back up on Oct. 19.

However, the Oct. 19 hearing began with a request from Scott’s attorney, Matthew Davies, for additional time to review new evidence before the preliminary hearing continued.

“I don’t think you appreciate what goes on behind the scenes to let this hearing be held,” said Judge McKenna.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, defendants who are being held need to be tested for the virus before their court appearances. The courts have had to deal with unprecedented delays.

Benbow’s attorney, Andrew Ain, also advocated for the extension request because he had not finished reviewing the new evidence the prosecution submitted on Oct. 15.

Judge Mckenna re-scheduled the preliminary hearing for Nov. 4, the earliest date available.

Ain then re-submitted a proposal for Benbow’s release from the Youth Services Center (YSC), since the preliminary hearing is delayed.

“The second victim was a random person hit by a stray bullet,” said the prosecution, who opposed the request. “This was a brazen, dangerous crime of the highest order committed in broad daylight.”

Judge McKenna denied the release request, agreeing with the prosecution that she could not guarantee the safety of the community if Benbow is released.

Benbow will also no longer appear in person for his hearings and will now only be present through video conference from YSC.

Scott will remain held at DC Jail.

Sierra Robbins wrote this story

Judge Holds Four Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples held four defendants in DC Jail and released 21 defendants during initial hearings.

Niko Hall, 29, was held in connection with a homicide that occurred on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Sept. 26. The prosecution alleged Hall participated in the shooting that killed 25-year-old Anthony Lee based on video surveillance and Instagram photos.

Hall’s attorney argued that there is a lack of evidence tying her client to the scene of the crime and the murder itself. However, Judge Staples found probable cause and decided to hold Hall without bond, even while noting his limited criminal history. He cited the nature and circumstances of the crime as well as Hall’s history of fleeing from police for his hold decision.

Delonte Samuels, 27, was held in jail after being charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm. The defense counsel argued that he has been compliant with the court’s conditions regarding his pending cases. However, Judge Staples noted there were multiple witnesses and it was the second time he has made such threats.

Judge Staples held Stanley Bennett, who pleaded guilty to a sex abuse misdemeanor in 2019. Bennett was sentenced to undergo a mental health screening and sexual assault evaluations.

However, after a notice of non-compliance was issued and Bennett failed to appear for a show cause on Sept. 30, Judge Pittman issued a bench warrant. Judge Staples decided to hold Bennett in order to ensure his attendance at his next hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 12.

A 35-year-old defendant was held on an assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse. The defendant’s attorney argued there was no physical evidence corroborating the victim’s story.

However, the prosecution argued that a witness saw the defendant holding the victim by her neck. Additionally, the victim has a stay away order against defendant in Prince George’s County, Md.

Judge Staples ruled that the defendant would be held until his next hearing on Nov. 12 due to the nature and circumstances of the case as well as the previous stay-away order being insufficient to keep Hill away from the victim.

The defense attorney protested this ruling asking Judge Staples to clarify why the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) was not an option.

Judge Staples repeated his ruling and moved on to the next case.

Of the defendants who were released, two were fugitive defendants, one of which is still in the hospital, so the case was continued until tomorrow.

Nine cases involved felony charges, including weapon possession, operating a vehicle without a permit, fraud, robbery and drug-related charges.

Judge Staples released eight defendants on misdemeanor charges. All were released with various conditions ranging from checking in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to stay away orders.

One final defendant was charged in a domestic violence case. The defendant only spoke Spanish so an interpreter was used to translate the case. The defendant was released on the condition that he verify his address with PSA. Judge Staples also issued a no Harassment, Assault, Threats or Stalking (HATS) order on behalf of the victim.

Judge Issues 3 Bench Warrants During Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge issued three bench warrants during nine pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 20.

Judge Julie Becker issued the warrants for Antoine Jackson, Daryl Pearce and Lawrence Brown after they failed to appear in court.

Pearce, 23, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and fleeing a law enforcement officer.

Pearce’s attorney, Lola Ziadie, also said she did not know where her client is located.

According to the PSA report, Pearce has a federal probation warrant from another case in Virginia. The warrant is still active and the U.S. Marshall Service was prepared to detain Pearce if he appeared for his hearing.

“He was told to be here a few weeks ago and with no representation, I’m going to issue a bench warrant,” Judge Becker said.

Jackson, 25, is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into an establishment on the 2600 block of 15th Street, NW, on April 11, and taking property.

According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Jackson has been a loss of contact since Sept. 29, and has not verified his address. He has also been arrested three times since he was put on pretrial release in April.

Defense attorney Lillian Miller said she does not know where her client is located. However, she said he does not have stable housing.

“He has had three rearrests, so I’m concerned about his absence from this court and with pretrial,” said Judge Becker.

Lawrence Brown, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

At a Sept. 22 show cause hearing, Brown’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, asked for more time to locate Brown. Weller was unable to find him between Sept. 22 and Oct 20.

Rondez Tibbs had his probation show cause hearing continued.

Tibbs pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior firearms conviction in 2015.

The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) said Tibbs had been in compliance until he went to California without permission. When he was in California, he was arrested after a high-speed chase where he allegedly reached speeds over 140 miles per hour. He was subsequently charged with reckless driving and reckless evading in California. Tibbs was also convicted for possession of a fictitious ID in Alexandria on Aug. 17.

The prosecutor requested revocation of Tibbs probation due to him violating his probation by leaving D.C. and being convicted in Alexandria.

Judge Becker denied the request to revoke Tibbs’ probation. Instead, Judge Becker continued Tibbs’ hearing for Nov. 5 to give the prosecution enough time to either present evidence from the Los Angeles case or schedule a new hearing after Tibbs’ trial in Los Angeles.

Tibbs was taken into custody by U.S. Marshalls at the end of the hearing for a warrant from Fairfax, Va.

Judge Becker continued a pretrial show cause hearing for Jeremiah Hawkins.

Hawkins, 24, is charged with simple assault and threats to do bodily harm. The PSA filed a notice of noncompliance on Aug. 28 for failing to report.

At a show cause hearing on Sept. 30, Hawkins was ordered to come back into compliance with PSA. After contacting PSA on Sept. 30, Hawkins stopped reporting. He also still needs to verify his address.

Hawkins’ attorney, Anna Forgie, said her client was confused and didn’t know that he had to report to the PSA every week.

Judge Becker scheduled a new show cause hearing for Nov. 20, to give Hawkins time to come into compliance and verify his address.

Kristopher Shrewsbury, 25, had his hearing continued to trail a trial in a separate case that is currently scheduled for Nov. 30.

Shrewsbury was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

CSOSA said Shrewsbury has been in compliance and is reporting as directed.

Judge Becker scheduled Shrewsbury’s next hearing for Dec. 7.

Judge Becker got rid of a bench warrant that was issued for Damain Hawkins on Sept. 16 after he appeared in court upon learning about it.

Hawkins was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in 2016.

Hawkins said he didn’t know that he was required to report to his probation officer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Becker told Hawkins to report to CSOSA immediately. His next hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2021.

Judge Becker continued a show cause hearing for Haile Salaam, who did not show up to his hearing.

Salaam, 39, is charged with GPS tampering.

Salaam’s attorney, Sweta Patel, requested more time to find and contact Salaam. Patel said it has been difficult to locate Salaam since he was having trouble finding shelter and is moving between homeless shelters.

Judge Becker agreed with Patel and scheduled a show cause hearing for Dec. 11.

Judge Becker also continued Shaun Wilkins’ pretrial show cause hearing. Wilkins, 40, is charged with possession of a controlled substance.

According to the PSA, Wilkins last contact was on Sept. 25.

Judge Becker continued the case to give the defendant time to come back into compliance

Wilkins’ next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19.

Assault Defendant Rejects Pre-Indictment Plea Offer

On Oct. 20, a defendant accused of hitting a victim with her car rejected a plea offer from the prosecution.

Taketa Tyler is charged with two felonies for aggravated assault knowingly and assault with a dangerous weapon. She is accused of hitting a woman with her car and beating her up on July 7 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

On July 24, the 40-year-old was released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring and a stay away order from the victim, according to DC Courts. Tyler’s pretrial release conditions were stepped down from HISP to reporting to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) on Oct. 19.

After Tyler rejected the pre-indictment plea offer, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian continued the felony status conference to Feb. 19 to give parties time to discuss the case.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Judge Sentences Defendant to One Year for Firearms Charge

On Oct. 20, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve one year for a firearms charge.

Tyrell Barkley pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Barkley, 27, picked up the charge in March 2019. The following August, he was indicted on charges of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business, fleeing a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, leaving after colliding property damage or injury to animal, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device and driving without a permit.

The prosecution agreed to dismiss those charges as part of the plea deal, which the defendant took in February. The prosecution also dismissed two misdemeanor cases, in which he was charged with unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, second-degree theft and attempted unlawful possession of ammunition.

Barkley also committed several traffic violations on the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave, SE and fled law enforcement while carrying a gun in March of 2019, according to court documents.

Judge John Campbell sentenced him to 20 months, eight of which were suspended, plus one year of supervised probation. He will receive credit for time served.

Barkley must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund and register as a gun offender.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Assault Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

On Oct. 20, a defendant charged with assault with a dangerous weapon rejected a plea offer from the prosecution.

Demetrius Golden, 38, is accused of shooting a man on March 26 on the 1300 block of 5th Street, NW.

Defense attorney Sharon Weathers asked DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck to schedule a preliminary hearing, which will determine if the case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Judge Beck scheduled one for Nov. 9.

Golden is currently being held at the DC Jail.

Document: Police Seek Burglary Suspect

Metropolitan Police Department seek the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with a second-degree burglary that happened on Oct. 19.

At around 6:27 a.m., a suspect forced his way into an establishment on the 1200 block of H Street, NE. The suspect took property and fled the scene. He was captured by a surveillance camera.

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Judge Terminates Probation for 1 Defendant During Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over 10 pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 19.

“The court attempted to get the defendant into compliance for six years,” Judge Julie Becker said before terminating a defendant’s probation as unsuccessful.

Rick Wilson was on probation for three misdemeanor cases, in which he was convicted of second-degree theft and a bail violation.

The Court Services and Supervision Agency (CSOSA) said that Wilson, 56, was noncompliant with his release conditions for the last several months, noting that he had refused treatment and failed to appear for drug testing.

Defense attorney Rebecca Bloch mentioned Wilson had been frequenting a treatment center, and requested that his probation be terminated unsuccessfully, as he has not picked up a significant charge since 2017. Judge Becker granted the defense’s request.

Amari Johnson accepted a plea deal and was sentenced during his pretrial show cause hearing. Johnson, 20, was originally charged with possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. As part of the deal with the prosecution, he pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

Judge Becker sentenced the defendant to serve 15 days followed by one year of supervised probation.

She also ordered a study to see if Johnson was eligible to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would effectively seal his case once he completes his requirements.

“I don’t want this to be a conviction that follows you for the rest of your life,” Judge Becker said.

Robert Taylor was not present for his pretrial show cause hearing due to a re-arrest.

Taylor, 55, is charged with unlawful entry, second-degree theft, bail violation and possession of an open container of alcohol.

Judge Becker ordered the cases be continued, and scheduled the defendant’s next show cause hearing for Oct. 30.

Andre Wallace is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Wallace, 58, was released into home confinement in July. The following August, PSA recommended he be taken off supervision after he fell out of compliance. However, the judge gave him another chance and he has been compliant for the last 30 days.

Judge Becker scheduled another hearing for Nov. 12 to allow Wallace to continue his compliance. If he succeeds, his release conditions will be modified and he will be allowed to leave his home with a curfew.

Paul Nunnally is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, attempted possession with intent to distribute and a bail violation.

PSA reported that Nunnally, 27, has fallen back into compliance with his home confinement order. Therefore, Judge Becker discharged the hearing.

Edward Cowser is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, second-degree theft, attempted possession of a weapon, simple assault and shoplifting in four cases.

The prosecution requested the 43 year old’s release be revoked because he has not been reporting to his probation officer.

However, the defense counsel noted that Cowser’s sister purchased him a phone and he has been reporting and leaving messages. Cowser said he has been working with a clinic to receive therapy and his medications.

Because of this, Judge Becker discharged the hearing.

Judge Becker continued Mark Turner’s case to give him another chance to fall into compliance with his release conditions. His next show cause hearing will be on Oct. 30.

Turner, 54, was charged with receiving stolen property.

Judge Becker issued bench warrants for the arrests of Kelvin Brown, Zachary Birmingham, and Gregory Hawkins after they failed to appear in court.

Brown, 52, did not appear at his pretrial show cause hearing. He was charged with second degree theft. PSA reported that Brown had never engaged with the agency. Defense attorney Peter Wright mentioned he will request a medical alert should Brown be brought in on the warrant.

Birmingham, 34, did not appear at his pretrial show cause hearing. He was charged with unlawful entry. Birmingham is currently incarcerated in Florida, according to court officials.

Hawkins, 23, did not appear at his probation show cause hearing. He was charged with assault on a police officer and attempted robbery. Hawkins was deemed a loss of contact by CSOSA. Judge Becker set a $100 bond for his apprehension.

Crime Alerts: October 19-20

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 19 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out seven crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 1:35 a.m. for a robbery investigation that occurred at 1 a.m. on the 5000 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Police are looking for a Black female with a red hat, 5’2″ in height, in a black Toyota sedan bearing unknown Maryland tags.

An alert for a stabbing investigation was sent at 1:21 a.m. on the 4000 block of Livingston Road, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Police sent an alert for a shooting at 1:12 a.m. on the 900 block of K Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

At 1:05 a.m., an alert was sent for a robbery on the 3800 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Police are looking for a Black male, light complexion and thin build, 5’4″ in height, wearing a black baseball cap and dark clothing.

Another alert for a robbery was sent at 12:00 a.m. on the 4800 block of 47th Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a red hoodie with a face covering, jeans and a stocky build. The second suspect is a Black male possibly wearing a black hoodie.

At 9:34 p.m., an alert was sent for an armed robbery investigation on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, 5’10” in height, slim build, wearing a yellow and orange hoodie.

The final alert was sent at 9:17 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

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