Domestic Violence Defendant Sentenced Under Youth Act

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant for simple assault under the Youth Rehabilitation Act

Judge John McCabe sentenced Taylor Lyons to 90 days in jail, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation. Conditions of her probation include receiving a mental health screening and evaluation.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge McCabe waived the community service requirement that usually accompanies a youth act sentence.

Lyons picked up the case in 2019 for assaulting a victim after he moved her glass by throwing an ashtray at him and physically hitting him.

The victim wrote an impact statement, which the prosecution read during the Sept. 16 hearing. In it, he recommended jail time with therapy, saying that she needs help.

“If you give her an inch, she’ll take the whole mile,” the victim wrote.

The prosecutor cited several instances of Lyons harassing the victim’s neighbors. However, Lyons’ defense attorney, Albert Amissah, asked Judge McCabe to focus on the present case, not civil matters or other cases.

Amissah insisted that there are several bodycam recordings from responding officers in which Lyons says the victim has been abusing her. Amissah clarified that the allegations were not an excuse for his client to have behaved in the way she did. He acknowledged her wrong doing but said most of the issues began when Lyons started standing up to the victim.

The prosecution originally agreed to enter into a Deferred Sentencing Agreement (DSA) with Lyons. However, after two probation violations and a notice of noncompliance earlier this year, the government revoked the DSA.

The prosecutor said that he does not want to set Lyons up for failure by asking for the maximum sentence. Instead, he asked for at least 45 days in jail, mental health therapy and enrollment in a Family Violence Program.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Lyons has been homeless and without a cell phone for much of her probation.

Her probation officer corroborated Lyons’ claim that she did originally keep in touch. The officer said she suspects that Lyons’ situation complicated her ability to keep in contact. However, she believed there are resources available to Lyons, but she needs to make herself available to those resources as well.

Lyons claims she has been seeing a therapist for anger management for two years.

Before delivering the sentence, Judge McCabe aked Lyons about her past, inquiring about her education and her living situation.

“Do not give up on furthering your education,” Judge McCabe said to Lyons.

Lyons must also pay $50 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Judge Holds 7 Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Sept. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 25 defendants and held seven defendants in DC Jail.

Albert Mathis is charged with being a fugitive from justice with an underlying charge of robbery in Maryland. Judge Herrmann chose to hold him for three days to allow Maryland authorities to come and collect him.

Torrence Adams, charged with being a fugitive from justice, is wanted by Maryland for first-degree rape. Due to the nature of the charge, Judge Herrmann said that she was inclined to hold the defendant until Maryland comes to collect him within three business days.

A male defendant is charged with assault in a domestic violence incident. Judge Herrmann decided to release the defendant on this matter, but he was held for a parole matter. After the parole matter is taken care of, the defendant is required to follow a stay away order as part of his release conditions.

Jalmalda Redish, 48, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, which was said to be cocaine. Judge Herrmann released him for the new charge, but he was held for a parole matter.

A defendant was held by Judge Herrmann on charges of contempt and a civil protective order (CPO) violation in a domestic violence case. With these new charges, Judge Herrmann explained that the defendant has proven to be unable to stay away from the complainant and she has reason to fear for her safety.

William Pace, 59, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender, GPS tampering and a parole violation. Although Judge Herrmann released the defendant on his two new charges, he is held for the parole matter.

For the final defendant held, the courtroom muted the audio, so D.C. Witness was unable to gather the details of the case.

Additionally, one of the defendants that Judge Herrmann released was also muted by the courtroom.

Four defendants charged with domestic violence charges were released. Three defendants were given stay-away orders and one was given the condition to not harass, assault, threaten or stalk the alleged victim of the assault.

Six defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice, were released by Judge Herrmann. All six were told to turn themselves in to the state that has an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The defendants that are wanted in Maryland have various charges including assault, burglary, failure to register as a sex offender and probation violations. The defendant wanted in Virginia is charged with larceny and various sex offenses.

One female defendant is charged with unlawful entry and destruction of property. She was released by Judge Herrmann, but was ordered to stay away from the White House.

Five additional defendants are charged with attempted threats, contempt, attempt to carry a dangerous weapon, possession of cocaine and second-degree theft. These defendants were released with various conditions, including stay-away orders from the areas that they allegedly committed the crimes and orders to not possess a firearm.

Four defendants who are charged with sexual abuse, assault, impersonation of a police officer, extortion and outstanding bench warrants were released.

Another three defendants charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, which was cocaine. These defendants were released as well.

One defendant charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and driving without a permit was released by Judge Herrmann. The defendant must follow the condition that he does not drive without a valid license or when he is under the influence of narcotics or alcohol.

Crime Alerts: September 16

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out two crime alerts after noon on Sept.16.

Police sent the most recent alert at 7:06 p.m. for a stabbing on the 600 block of I Street, NW. Police are looking for a black female, wearing a light blue hooded sweatshirt, who is 5’3″ to 5’4″ and armed with a knife.

At 3:48 p.m., police sent out a crime alert for a shooting investigation on the 5300 block of Call Place, SE. The police are looking for a black male wearing all black.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call 911.

Document: Police Search for Suspect in Stolen Auto Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department is requesting the public’s help in identifying a suspect who is wanted for stealing an automobile and leaving after striking four victims.

According to a press release, the the suspect entered a vehicle after a delivery driver left it running an unattended on the 3300 block of 18th Street, NW. As the suspect began to flee the scene in the vehicle, he lost control and struck the driver, an adult woman and two juveniles.

The suspect then ran from the scene on foot.

The victims were taken to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone who can identify the individual should call the police at 202-727-9099 to text the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 8.5 Years Under The Youth Act

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to eight-and-a-half years for three charges.

In May 2019, Thadduse Hartridge pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery, robbery and unarmed carjacking for three separate incidents that occurred in 2018 and 2019.

Hartridge, 19, was initially charged with armed robbery and assault with intent to commit armed robbery. However, the charges were changed as part of a plea deal with the prosecution.

The defendant was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA,) which would effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements.

The prosecution argued against a youth act sentence due to the nature of the crimes.

“He took a leading role in the most violent offense in the carjacking case,” the prosecutor said. “He struck a female with a metal baton. Not only is she a senior citizen, she has continued stress related to this violent attack.”

The prosecution asked for a sentence totaling ten years for the three charges, mainly due to the gratuitous nature of the offenses.

“All three offenses are extremely violent,” said the prosecution. “The victims were assaulted beyond what would be required to take their property.”

Hartridge’s attorney, Stuart Johnson, said that Hartridge is taking responsibility for his actions and is improving himself while staying at New Beginnings Youth Development Center.

“Mr. Hartridge has gotten 17 certificates at New Beginnings,” said Johnson. “He was the top outstanding scholar. It is relevant to sentencing that he has been a model resident at a detention facility and he is going to keep bettering himself in federal prison.”

A Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) representative was present at the Sept. 16 hearing and agreed with Johnson’s six year recommendation.

“He’s been in our custody since January 2019,” said the DYRS representative. “He completed the animal-assisted therapy program and the therapist that ran the program said that he built up his empathy skills.”

Johnson read a statement that his client wrote.

“It’s important to me people don’t view me as a menace to society,” Hartridge wrote. “I know a few words can’t take back what I did, but I’m not the same young man that committed those crimes, I am evolving daily.”

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Hartridge to two years for assault with intent to commit robbery, 18 months for robbery and five years for unarmed carjacking.

The sentences will run consecutively. Hartridge will receive credit for time served.

Each sentence came with a three year period of supervised release, which will run concurrently. During that time period, Hartridge must complete 90 hours of community service.

Judge Smith also issued a stay away order from the three victims when Jartridge is released. He must also pay $300 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Judge Smith also recommended Hartridge receive anger management and mental health treatment while incarcerated. Judge Smith also recommended a GED program for Hartridge.

Judge Issues Four Bench Warrants During Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge issued four bench warrants and continued four hearings during pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Sept. 16.

Judge Danya Dayson issued a bench warrant for a defendant convicted of drug charges who failed to appear in court.

Damian Hawkins was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in July 2017.

He has received two alleged violation reports this year. He never reported to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and has remained a loss of contact.

Judge Dayson also issued a bench warrant for Deandre Smith’s arrest.

Smith, 22, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and resisting arrest.

The judge made this decision because several notices of noncompliance with his pretrial release conditions and his failure to appear in court.

Smith also has an outstanding extraditable warrant in Prince George’s County.

Kevin Powell, a 41 year-old charged with second-degree burglary, also failed to appear in court. Judge

Lastly, Judge Dayson issued a bench warrant for Mark Odoms after he did not show up to his pretrial show cause hearing.

Odoms, 21, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in one case and simple assault in another. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Aug. 26.

Judge Dayson denied defense attorney Sylvia Smith’s request to have her client taken off of home confinement.

Malik Shelton, who is also known as Shane Smith, is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, amphetamines.

Despite denying the request to lift his home confinement, the judge ruled that Shelton, 23, has come into compliance following his Aug. 17 pretrial show cause hearing.

Judge Dayson scheduled another pretrial show cause hearing to give Demeatrey James time to come into compliance with his pretrial release conditions.

James, 25, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Sept. 1.

The judge also continued a probation show cause hearing to see if Tracy Vandyke is continuing with his progress.

Vandyke pleaded guilty to fleeing a law enforcement officer and offenses committed during release in February 2018. Since his release, he has received three notices of non compliance with probation. However, his probation officer said that he has recently made a turnaround in compliance.

A continued probation show cause hearing was scheduled for next week to give Paris Simmons time to reach out to CSOSA.

Simmons pleaded guilty to robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business in August 2018. Since he has been on supervised probation he has incurred a violation for failure to charge his GPS and has a pattern of not maintaining contact with CSOSA. According to his defense attorney Sean Murphy, Simmons could not make the hearing today because he has been showing COVID-19 symptoms for the past two weeks.

Finally, Judge Dayson scheduled a pretrial show cause hearing for a defendant, Delonte Morris, who failed to appear to court.

Morris, 30, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and second-degree burglary on Jan. 17 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

The defendant was released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with orders to report to the PSA. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Sept. 15. Morris’ PSA officer said that she had not had contact with him for a month.

Judge Dayson gave Morris’ defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough a week to see if he could establish contact with his client.

Morris is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5, 2021.

Judge Puts Defendant in Domestic Violence Case on Pretrial Release

A DC Superior Court judge released a defendant in his two domestic violence cases.

The defendant is charged with simple assault in his first case and contempt in his second case. He was initially released in both cases, but was held on Sept. 2. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Aug. 26.

During the Sept. 15 hearing, Judge John McCabe decided to release the defendant on his promise to return to court. However, the defendant must wear a GPS monitoring device and has orders to stay away from the victim.

The defendant must also report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

The defendant’s had a remote hearing on Sept. 16 and is scheduled for a hearing on Nov. 10.

Judge Finds Probable Cause and Holds Co-Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a co-defendant case has enough evidence to go to trial. The judge also held the defendants at DC Jail.

Azion Johnson, 21, and Weslee Wilkinson, 18, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. They are accused of participating in a shootout on May 29 during a gathering on the 5100 block of Fitch Place, SE that left three people injured.

During the Sept. 16 preliminary hearing, the prosecution showed surveillance video of two suspects shooting out of a door in an apartment buildings stairwell. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective identifying the suspects as Johnson and Wilkinson.

The prosecution also entered messages from Johnson’s iCloud account into evidence. The messages showed Johnson saying, “why would you tell on me, I was the one who shot back for you.”

According to court documents, a witness who saw the crime gave MPD detectives the iCloud account and said it belonged to Johnson.

The detective also said officers found a .9mm pistol in Wilkinson’s closet and a .40 caliber pistol in Prince George County at Johnson’s mother’s home, where Johnson was arrested. Several .40 caliber and .9mm casings were found outside of the door that the suspects were seen firing from.

During cross examination, the detective told Wilkinson’s attorney, Julie Swaney, that the first victim was not sure about where the bullet that hit him came from or who the shooter was. Swaney argued that the bullet could have been from the other suspects involved in the shooting, who the police haven’t identified.

The detective also said the victim was located between the defendants and the unidentified suspects across the parking lot, who were engaged in the shootout.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, asked the detective if there was any surveillance footage of Johnson pulling the trigger. The detective said he could only see the suspect put his hand out the door as if he was firing. The detectives did not recover any footage that showed the firing of the pistol.

Judge Rainey Brandt said the officer’s identification of Johnson and Wilkinson, coupled with the surveillance video and messages from Johnson’s iCloud, was enough to establish probable cause.

Swaney and Simmons asked for their clients to be put on pretrial release.

Swaney said her client has no criminal history except for one case that was recently dismissed. She also said her client is currently attending high school and would be unable to continue his education if incarcerated.

Simmons also said his client has no prior criminal history, and asked for him to be released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

Judge Brandt denied the release requests. The judge said she recognizes that the two have no prior criminal history, but the seriousness of the crime and the event occurring at a cookout with approximately 100 people there, makes it even more troubling.

Johnson and Wilkinson’s next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12.

Judge Schedules New Hearing for Murder Case

On Sept. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled a new hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Ravel Mills, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Toussaunt Strong. The 28-year-old resident of Clinton, Md. was shot multiple times on April 18 on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE.

Mills’ preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 16. However, it was canceled because the defendant refused to take a COVID-19 test. Defendants are not allowed to attend hearings at the DC Superior Courthouse without a negative COVID-19 test.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey said her client did not know the test was mandatory.

Judge Kravitz scheduled Mills’ new preliminary hearing for Oct. 20.

Mills, a resident of Temple Hills, Md., was arrested on May 4. He has been detained at the DC Jail since then.

Defendant’s Absence Causes Judge to Delay Sentencing

A DC Superior Court judge pushed back a sentencing to allow a defendant to be physically present in court.

Kaveyon Andrews pleaded guilty in May 2019 to assault with intent to commit robbery, robbery and unarmed carjacking. The charges are for three separate incidents that occurred in 2018 and 2019. His initial charges were assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and robbery while armed.

The 18 year old’s attorney, Atiq Ahmed, filed a motion Sept. 14 for the defendant to be physically present at his sentencing.

But, the prosecution argued against the motion.

“It’s going to be close to two years since he plead guilty to this case,” said the prosecutor. “We’re at a standstill because the defense team doesn’t want him sent to prison…”

The prosecutor continued, “I would respectfully request to make special accommodations to get this accomplished within the next week.”

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, DC courtrooms would not be open until Nov. 9 at the earliest.

Judge Judith Smith granted the motion as it is the defendant’s right to ask to be present in court.

Based on the three charges, the base sentence for Andrews’ crimes is six years in prison.

Judge Smith scheduled Andrew’s sentencing for Nov. 10.

Crime Alerts: September 15-16

Five crime alerts were sent out between the afternoon of September 15 and the morning on Sept. 16.

The Metropolitan Police Department most recently alerted the public at 3:23 a.m. about a stabbing on the 2300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The police stopped one suspect.

At 10:33 p.m. on Sept. 15, the police also sent out an alert for a robbery investigation at Elmira Street and South Capitol Street, SE. The police are looking for six black males, wearing all black, with (1) handgun, last seen in a silver Dodge magnum on the unit block of South Capitol.

At 6:37 p.m., another alert for a robbery investigation was sent out. The robbery took place at 6:32 p.m. on the 900 block of 15TH Street, NW. Police are looking for a black male; medium complexion with a brush in his hair, a mustache, a maroon colored shirt, beige pants and dirty black shoes.

At 4:55 p.m., an alert was sent for a robbery investigation on the 4500 block of East Capitol, NE. Police are looking for two black males, suspect one was last seen wearing a green shirt, suspect two, is approximately 225 pounds, 5’10” with a bald head. The suspects were last seen occupying an unknown gray vehicle with Virginia tags.

At 1:46 p.m., an alert for a shooting on the 1600 block of Holbrook Street, NE was sent. Police are looking for a silver Lexus that is occupied by three black males who were wearing black masks and armed with handguns.

If anyone has any information about these crimes, please call 911.

Document: Suspects and Vehicle Sought in Connection with Armed Robbery

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help locating a vehicle and suspects of an armed robbery.

At around 12:27 p.m. on Sept. 15, suspects exited a vehicle and approached the victims on the 3300 block of 7^th Street, SE. One of them took out a firearm and demanded property.

The suspects took property and fled the scene in the vehicle, which is described as a two tone Dodge Magnum, with a grey color on top and a dark color below. The vehicle and the suspects were captured by a surveillance camera.

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Judge Sentences Defendant in 3 Domestic Violence Cases

On Sept. 15, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant in three domestic violence cases.

Lance Freeman, 50, resolved his cases through a global plea deal with the prosecution.

His first case, in which he was charged with simple assault, was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

In his second case, Freeman pleaded guilty to attempted threats to do bodily harm in exchange for his contempt charge being dropped.

In his third case, Freeman pleaded guilty to destruction of property less than $1,000 in exchange for his contempt charge being dropped.

Judge John McCabe sentenced the defendant to 75 days, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation for the attempted threats charge. He received credit for time served. Judge McCabe also sentenced the defendant to 90 days, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation for destruction of property.

The two sentences will run consecutively, but the probation is concurrent.

Conditions of his probation include alcohol and drug testing, GPS monitoring, a mental health screening and evaluation and a stay away order.

Freeman must also pay $50 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program for each charge.

Judge Holds 7 Defendants During Initial Hearing

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 23 defendants and held seven defendants at the DC Jail during initial hearings.

Judge Herrmann held Aumia Williams, 39, who is charged with prison breach and distribution of a controlled substance, which was cocaine, in two cases. Williams was also brought in on four outstanding bench warrants for failing to appear in court.

Judge Herrmann found probable cause for William’s distribution of a controlled substance and prison escape charges. Williams was charged with prison escape after leaving a halfway house while on pretrial release in 2019. Due to the defendant’s history of violating conditions of release, the judge ruled that Williams will be held at DC Jail until her next hearing on Oct. 7.

One defendant, 22, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and armed kidnapping in a domestic violence case. The defendant allegedly barricaded the entrance to his apartment and grabbed a female victim’s hair as she tried to leave. He then allegedly threatened the victim with an axe, saying he would throw the axe at her head if she tried to leave.

The defendant’s attorney argued for her client to be released for mental health treatment. Judge Herrmann held the defendant due to the concerning nature of the crime along with the defendant’s two pending assault cases.

D’Sean Walker, 23, was arrested on a GPS tampering charge for failing to charge his monitoring device. Judge Herrmann released him on his new case but held him on a parole matter.

Kevin Boyd, 32, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, driving without a valid license and improper use of tags. Judge Herrmann released him on his new case but held him on a parole matter. Once released, Boyd is ordered not to drive without a valid license.

Judge Herrmann decided to hold Ray Spencer on his parole violation. Spencer, 30, was arrested on GPS tampering charges for failing to charge his monitoring device after acknowledging the conditions of his parole. Spencer was also brought in as a fugitive from justice from Maryland, where he is wanted for probation violation. Judge Herrmann released Spencer on his two new cases, but he was held on a parole hold.

Dwayne Nowlin, 39, is charged with lewd, indecent or obscene behavior to which he submitted a plea of not guilty. While the prosecution was not opposed to Nowlin’s release providing he stay away from two locations, Judge Herrmann decided to hold him pending another District Court case.

Charles Vaughn was arrested on fugitive charges from Maryland, where he is wanted for aggravated assault and failing to appear for his hearing in a traffic offense. Since Judge Herrmann was not inclined to release him given the seriousness of the assault charge, Vaughn agreed to waive his right to an extradition hearing, consenting to remain in jail to wait for Mayland officials to come get him within three business days. Judge Herrmann accepted his waiver and ruled to hold him in DC jail.

Of those released, two defendants did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution and one defendant was released on citation with a court date of Oct. 31.

Judge Herrmann heard five additional domestic violence cases involving simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO) and violation of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO). The defendants were all released with stay-away orders from the alleged victims.

Two defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice, were released. The defendants are wanted in Maryland and Virginia for failing to appear at their hearings. Judge Herrmann released the defendants with orders to turn themselves in to demanding jurisdictions as soon as possible.

Seven defendants charged with misdemeanors were released by Judge Herrmann. Three of the defendants are charged with simple assault, two defendants are charged with unlawful entry into private property and two defendants are charged with cases involving stolen goods. Five of the defendants were given stay-away orders.

Two defendants, charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, were released. One defendant was allegedly in possession of PCP and the other was alleged to have had heroin and cocaine on him. Both defendants were given stay-away orders.

Two DUI cases were heard by Judge Herrmann, and she released both defendants with orders not to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.

Finally, two defendants were brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings. Judge Herrmann released both defendants with new court dates of Sept. 21 and Feb. 16, 2021.

Domestic Violence Defendant Sentenced for Theft and Contempt

On Sept. 15, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant who resolved two domestic violence cases with a plea deal.

In his more recent case, George Shaw pleaded guilty to contempt and second-degree theft. As part of the plea deal, the prosecution dismissed his other case, in which he was charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Shaw, 47, was charged with contempt for violating an order to stay away from the victim. He picked up the theft charge for taking the victim’s car for a number of days without her permission.

Judge John McCabe sentenced him to 60 days, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation for each charge. Shaw received credit for time served for the contempt charge.

The probation period for each charge will run concurrently. During probation, Shaw must undergo a mental health screening and evaluation and comply with a stay away order.

Shaw must also pay a total of $100 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program and $200 in restitution to the victim.