Judge Holds 2 of 19 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur released 17 defendants, holding one in DC Jail and one in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ (DYRS) custody during their initial hearings.

Judge Arthur held one juvenile defendant charged with armed robbery.

The defendant allegedly stole a car by threatening the driver with a pistol. The defendant took the car with a co-defendant who has also been arrested. The two then allegedly drove the car around Northeast DC before leaving the car. Later, they took another car and crashed into several other vehicles on the 2700 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Oct. 24.

Defense attorney Rachel Cicurel asked for the defendant’s release under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), or on 24-hour home confinement. She argued for release due to the defendant having no criminal history and a supportive family.

Judge Arthur pointed to the concerning facts of the case, including the defendant allegedly having a firearm and fleeing after a crash. Based on this information, Judge Arthur held the defendant under DYRS’ custody because he posed a danger to the community.

Judge Arthur also held a defendant who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Joel Mcpherson, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly punching a man and pointing a handgun at him after a traffic accident on the 200 block of I Street, NE on Aug. 20. After the accident, the victim continued to argue with the defendant resulting in the defendant producing a handgun and pointing it at the victim, according to court documents.

The defendant was riding a moped scooter and the victim was on a bicycle when the two collided.

Mcpherson’s attorney, Colleen Archer, asked for her client to be released. She said the defendant was using a BB gun instead of an actual pistol and pointed to his limited criminal history. Mcpherson has one prior conviction for burglary in Maryland with his probation set to expire in November.

“This was an armed offense…He is also on probation for first-degree burglary in Maryland,” Judge Arthur said.

Judge Arthur released one defendant who was charged with simple assault and threats to do bodily harm. However, the defendant was held on an outstanding federal warrant.

Barbara Francis, 58, is charged with simple assault and threats for allegedly getting in a verbal argument with a bus operator on the 100 block of Florida Avenue, NW on Oct. 26. The defendant supposedly berated the bus operator and tried to spit on a passenger who was attempting to de-escalate the situation.

Defense attorney, Colleen Archer, asked for Francis to be released. Judge Arthur granted the request and released the defendant with a no harassing, assaults, threats or Stalking (HATS) order. While the defendant was released in this case, she was held on an unrelated federal arrest warrant.

Judge Arthur released a felony sex abuse defendant on HISP.

The defendant is charged with first-degree child sex abuse. In addition to putting the defendant on HISP, Judge Arthur issued a stay away order for the victim and the victim’s family, school, and home.

Judge Arthur released two domestic violence defendants.

One defendant is charged with simple assault and was released with a stay away order.

The second defendant is charged with simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm. Judge Arthur issued a stay away order from the victim and her residence.

During the hearing, the defendant was visibly shaken by the news and broke down in tears. The defendant’s attorney asked for the order to be modified to let the defendant continue to live in his apartment and contact the victim to arrange visits with his children.

Judge Arthur explained that an existing Temporary Protective Order (TPO) made it impossible for him to remove the conditions. The defendant was ordered to vacate his residence until the victim moves and arrange visitation through a third party.

Judge Arthur released seven defendants charged with various misdemeanors. The charges include theft, a bench warrant, operating a vehicle after revocation, driving without a permit, destruction of property less than $1,000, attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawful entry on private property.

Hearings for two defendants were continued because they are in the hospital. One is charged with being a fugitive from Virginia, the other defendant is charged with destruction of property less than $1,000.

Four defendants who are charged with being fugitives from justice from Maryland and Virginia were released to resolve their outstanding warrants in their respective states. They face underlying charges of assault and failure to appear at a traffic hearing.

Document: Arrests made in Northeast and Southeast DC

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have arrested five males in connection with robbery offenses that occurred in the First District.

On Friday, October 23, 2020, on the 600 Block of F Street, NE, the suspects approached a vehicle and brandished handguns while demanding a victim’s property. The victim and suspects fled the scene. No property was obtained.

On Friday, October 23, 2020, the suspects approached a victim and brandished handguns. They then took the victim’s property and fled the scene.

On Saturday, October 24, 2020, the US capitol police identified and pursued the suspect’s vehicle on the 400 Block of 11th Street, SE.

On Saturday, October 24, 2020, a 19 year-old of no fixed address and an 18 year-old of Northeast, DC were arrested and charged with Assault with Intent to Rob and Armed Robbery (Gun). Additionally, the suspects were charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Carrying a Pistol Without a License, Possession of Unregistered Ammunition, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, and Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device.

Additionally, on Saturday, October 24, 2020, a 17 year-old juvenile male, of Southwest, DC, a 17 year-old juvenile male, of Northeast, DC, and a 21 year-old, of Northeast, DC, were arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Additionally, the 17 year-old juvenile male, of Northeast, DC, was charged with Receiving Stolen Property and Fleeing from a Law Enforcement Officer.

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Document: Suspects and Vehicle Sought for Burglary Offenses

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Criminal Investigations Division seek the public’s assistance in locating suspects and a vehicle of interest in reference to second-degree burglary offenses that occurred on Monday, Oct. 27.

Second District: At approximately 12:55 a.m., the suspects forcibly entered an establishment on the 3000 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Once inside, the suspects took property then fled the scene.

Fourth District: At approximately 1:01 a.m., the suspects forcibly entered an establishment on the 200 block of Michigan Avenue, NE. Once inside, the suspects took property then fled the scene.

Third District: At approximately 1:06 a.m., the suspects forcibly entered an establishment on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NW. Once inside, the suspects took property then fled the scene.

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Judge Find Probable Cause for Robbery Not Sex Abuse

On Oct. 27, a DC Superior Court judge presided over a hearing to determine if a defendant charged with first-degree sexual abuse and robbery has enough evidence to go to trial.

The 30-year-old defendant is accused of stealing two dollars and a phone from a victim on Sept. 16 at an inn on the 800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. He was also accused of sexually assaulting the victim.

Judge Danya Dayson ruled that the robbery charge has probable cause, but the sex abuse charge does not.

A Metropolitan Police Department detective told Judge Dayson that the victim listed her phone number on her profile on an unknown app. The app is purportedly used for exchanging sexual services for money.

The defendant reached out to her via the app and the victim agreed to “hang out” with him for $300, the detective said.

The detective also said the woman did not specify what “hang out” meant during an interview with police. He said it is unclear whether or not the victim was planning on having sexual relations with the defendant in exchange for money or not.

The defendant is currently being held at the DC Jail. His next hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2021.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Document: Arrests in Northeast and Northwest DC for Carjacking and Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested two males in connection with multiple carjacking and robbery offenses. These offenses took place on Sunday, Oct. 25 and Monday, Oct. 26.

On Oct. 25, on the 1200 block of 14th Street, NW, the suspects approached a victim and brandished a handgun, then demanded the victim leave his vehicle. The victim complied.

On Oct. 26, on the 5200 block of Upton Terrace, NW, at approximately 2:04 p.m., the suspects approached a victim and brandished a handgun, demanding the victim exit the vehicle. The victim complied.

On Oct. 25, on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW, the suspects approached a victim and brandished a handgun while demanding the victim’s property. The victim complied.

On Oct. 26, on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW, the suspects approached a victim and brandished a handgun while demanding the victim exit the vehicle. The victim complied.

On Oct. 26, on the 3800 block of 12th Street, NE, the suspect approached a victim and brandished a handgun while demanding the victim’s car keys. The victim complied.

On Oct. 26, on the 2700 block of 17th Street, NE, the suspects approached a victim while brandishing a handgun and demanded the victim exit the vehicle. The victim complied, but the suspects were unsuccessful in fleeing the scene.

On Monday, Oct. 26, police arrested two 18-year-old males of Northwest DC in connection to these crimes.

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Defendant Resolves 5 Cases with Plea Deal

A prosecutor dismissed a defendant’s felony case, in which she was charged with breaking out of prison, in exchange for pleading guilty in four misdemeanor cases.

Erika Sellars pleaded guilty to simple assault, destruction of property, possession of PCP and a bail violation.

Judge Julie Becker sentenced her to serve 30 days for each of the first three charges. The sentences will run concurrently.

For the bail violation charge, Sellars was sentenced to 110 days, all of which were suspended, plus nine months of unsupervised probation. This sentence will run consecutive to probation from the other three charges.

Sellars, 33, has already spent over 100 days in jail. She will receive credit for time served.

The prosecution did not want the defendant to serve more time than she already has and was concerned about her mental health. Sellars had previously been evaluated by doctors at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution.

The prosecutor said Sellars would not be a good candidate for probation due to her recent prison break and was concerned that strict probation would only set her up for failure.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain agreed with the prosecution that strict probation would not benefit his client. However, he argued that Sellars has recently demonstrated the ability to stay out of trouble.

After Sellars escaped the halfway house, she remained within the law for six months. While Ain acknowledged that breaching the halfway house was illegal, she still demonstrated the ability to act as a law-abiding citizen during those six months.

Ain recommended unsupervised probation. The prosecutor agreed it would be the best course of action; however, he expressed concern regarding Sellars’ mental health and possible drug problems.

Judge Becker noted that while Sellars should have mental health and drug treatment, the options provided by the court would not suit her needs.

She imposed a sentence to where Sellars would not serve any more time unless she violated the conditions of her probation in the bail violation case, which include complying with a stay-away order from two victims.

Sellars must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund for each of the four charges.

Sellars admitted to spitting in a minor’s face as well as breaking the driver’s side mirror off of a car and jamming it into the car door of another victim’s car. She also admitted to possessing of PCP.

The prosecution dismissed the charges of disorderly conduct and possession of an open container of alcohol that she picked up in two of the cases.

The prosecutor read two of the victim’s impact statements. The first victim hoped justice would be done and the second hoped Sellars would get the help that she needs.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Judge Holds 12 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur held 12 defendants in DC Jail and released 29 defendants during initial hearings.

Judge Arthur held Jacobi Williams in connection with a first-degree murder charge.

On Sept. 17, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to gunshots on the 7000 block of Blair Road, NW. Phillip Roache, 38, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene. A second victim was treated at the Washington Hospital Center.

Defense counsel argued that there was an identification issue in the police report, asking Judge Arthur not to find probable cause. The judge, however, did find probable cause, citing the “significant amount of circumstantial evidence in this case” that points to Williams, 34, being involved in the murder. Judge Arthur decided to hold Williams, citing the evidence as well as his past criminal history, which includes an assault with a firearm charge in which he is pending sentencing.

Mackel McGrier is a fugitive from Maryland with an underlying aggravated assault charge. McGrier waived his right to an extradition hearing opting to be held in DC Jail for Maryland authorities.

Taheed Ebron, 19, was held in connection with an armed carjacking that occurred in Maryland. Ebron decided to waive his right to an extradition hearing, opting to wait or Maryland authorities to pick him up. Ebron was also charged with simple assault but was released in that case.

Judge Arthur decided to hold a domestic violence defendant after initially deciding to release him. The defendant had returned to the victim’s apartment in order to recover some belongings. However, during a hearing on Oct. 24, the defendant was ordered to stay away from the victim.

Herman Elliott is charged with attempting to distribute an unlawful substance, cocaine and oxycodone. Elliott, 50, had two prior convictions from 1990. He was released from prison in August 2019 on the conditions that he would be on parole for life. Judge Arthur determined Elliott was in violation of his parole and held him.

Marvin Davis was held in connection with unlawful entry and second-degree theft charges. Davis, 24, has been arrested five times in the past week and remains one of the top 10 most charged defendants in DC this year. Judge Arthur held him and scheduled a forensic screening to test his mental competency.

Donnie Leake was held in connection with an armed carjacking. Leake, 23, allegedly stole an SUV from the victim on the unit block of Hawaii Avenue, NE. Given the serious nature of the alleged crime, Judge Arthur decided to hold Leake, pending his next hearing.

Donnell Wilkinson was held on two pending bench warrants from 2019. Wilkinson, 18, was convicted of second-degree theft in both cases. A bench warrant was issued in August after Wilkinson failed to comply with probation requirements.

Wilkinson was also brought before the court on two additional charges of assault and second-degree theft. Judge Arthur held him in his new case, as well on a $25 bond.

Judge Arthur held Ernestina Njie, 39, on two misdemeanor simple assault charges and contempt. She was also brought in on a fugitive case, but Judge Arthur released her on that charge.

Jawneh Abdoulie is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and receiving stolen property. Judge Arthur held Abdoulie, 19, citing the dangerousness of the alleged crime.

Judge Arthur decided to hold Dalonte Stewart on charges of GPS tampering and possession of a controlled substance. Stewart, 20, allegedly cut off his GPS monitor and was in possession of the drug called Molly. The judge said he was a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Marquis Bullocks, 27, is charged with a traffic offense of reckless driving. He was released on his new case but held on a parole warrant.

Of the defendants who were released, eight defendants were charged in domestic violence cases. All were released with either stay-away orders or no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking (HATS) orders.

Judge Arthur released six defendants on misdemeanor charges, three defendants on traffic charges, six defendants with felony charges, four defendants charged as fugitives and two defendants brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings. All were released with various conditions, including stay-away orders, no HATS orders, checking in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and not possessing firearms in DC.

An additional 26 defendants did not have charges brought against them by the prosecution, so they were also released.

Document: Police Seek Robbery Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s assistance locating a suspect in connection with a robbery offense that happened on Oct. 26.

At around 5:10 p.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 500 block of K Street, NW. Once inside, the suspect threatened the employee and demanded money. The employee complied and the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

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Crime Alerts: October 26-27

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 26 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 27, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 5:36 a.m. for a robbery with a gun at the intersection of 2nd Street, NW and Hamilton Street, NW. Police are looking for three, young Black males with slim builds.

They were last seen headed east on the 100 block of Hamilton Street, NW. One of the suspects is believed to be armed with a handgun.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened on Oct. 4.

At around 3:00 p.m., a suspect brandished a handgun towards the victim on the 200 block of I Street, NE.

The suspect then fled the scene on a scooter. No injuries were reported.

A 26 year-old with no fixed address was arrested on Oct. 26.

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Judge Finds Probable Cause In Assault Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that an assault case has enough evidence to go to trial, but only on a lesser charge.

Rakeem Willis, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed. The 28-year-old is accused of entering another inmate’s cell at the DC Jail, then hitting and stabbing the victim with an unknown object on July, 3. The victim sustained multiple wounds and was transported to Howard University Hospital.

Judge Neal Kravitz did not find probable cause for that charge, but did find probable cause for a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. He cited surveillance footage, a detective’s testimony, and a Department of Corrections (DOC) report, as reasons for his decision.

“There is clear evidence of an assault here,” he said.

According to court documents, the defendant was being held at the DC Jail due to his pending case, in which he is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the murders of 26-year-old Sean Shuler, 26-year-old Javon Abney and 24-year-old Tyrik Hagood on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE. Jan. 26 2019.

The surveillance footage of the assault shows Willis cleaning the cellblock when the victim was escorted to his cell by a Department of Corrections (DOC) officer. Then, Willis allegedly followed the officer into the cell and began hitting the victim with a closed fist until the officer separated the two. Willis left the cell and walked out of the camera’s view without any officers pursuing him.

A MPD detective testified that Willis had been holding a sharpened object when he attacked the victim, leaving several puncture wounds. He said, DOC officers did not find a weapon in the victim’s cell but they never searched the defendant’s cell.

The detective also said the victim was unwilling to cooperate with the investigation.

During cross examination, defense attorney Michael Bruckheim asked the detective how many times the victim was stabbed and where the injuries were located.

The detective couldn’t remember how many times the victim had been stabbed. He was also unable to remember where on the victim’s body the bandages were.

The detective testified that the DOC report said the defendant held a closed fist over his head in what he described as a “stabbing motion.”

Bruckheim showed the detective the DOC report, which didn’t mention a closed fist or stabbing motion. The detective said the DOC officer, who was escorting the victim to his cell and witnessed the attack, told him. The detective the officer must have made a mistake.

Bruckheim asked the detective how he knew the injuries were puncture wounds rather than injuries sustained from Willis’ punching the victim. The detective said the DOC officer told him they were puncture wounds during an interview, but he never saw the wounds.

Bruckheim asked the detective if the victim underwent any surgery or was given anesthetic while in the hospital. The detective said the victim did not have surgery nor did he receive any anesthetic while receiving treatment.

Bruckman argued against a probable cause finding. He said there is no evidence that the victim was even stabbed. He also said that even if the victim was stabbed, there is no evidence that Willis intended to kill him.

The prosecutor replayed the security footage and pointed to the defendant’s stance moments before he entered the victim’s cell. The footage showed Willis with his arm raised above his head with a closed fist.

“One could infer that there was a sharp object in the defendant’s fist,” Judge Kravitz said. “No one seized him. It’s pretty extraordinary, but I’m not sure that the absence of a knife is such a big deal given the quality of the DOC investigation.”

Then, Judge Kravitz addressed the argument over probable cause for assault with intent to kill while armed.

The prosecutor argued that the victim, being in handcuffs and being unable to defend himself, proves that Willis had intended to kill the victim. “The defendant stabbed the victim several times while he was essentially incapacitated.” the prosecutor said.

“The victim being handcuffed doesn’t show that the defendant wished to kill him rather than assault him,” Judge Kravitz said.

Judge Kravitz decided to hold Willis, saying his criminal history, including an assault with a dangerous weapon conviction and three murder charges in a pending case, are concerning and indicate violent tendencies.

Willis’ next court date, a felony status conference, is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Domestic Violence Defendant’s Next Hearing Set

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a plea deal hearing in a domestic violence case.

The defendant is charged with two felonies, including assault with a dangerous weapon and cruelty to animals.

Defense attorney Peter Cooper said that the defense has finished negotiations with the prosecution for the acceptance of a plea deal.

Although both parties wanted to officially accept the plea deal in the Oct. 26 hearing, Judge Julie Becker said that she could not do so in the assigned courtroom.

The plea deal hearing was rescheduled to Nov. 3, so that the defendant could be present and the case judge, Judge Michael Ryan, could preside.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Defense Counsel Requests Release of Paralyzed Defendant

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge continued a felony status conference for a defendant who has been indicted on 17 counts.

Darryl Smith Jr. is charged with conspiracy, first-degree burglary, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, first-degree theft, felony credit card fraud and receiving stolen property. All of these are charged as offenses committed during release, besides an additional conspiracy charge.

At the time he picked up these charges, Smith was on probation for unlawful possession of liquid PCP in a case that dates back to 2019.

Smith’s attorney, Kristin McGough, requested that her client be released from DC Jail. Smith turned himself in on Oct. 5 for an outstanding bench warrant and has been held since then.

“He was in the midst of life-altering events and faced the stress of learning to live all over again,” said McGough.

Smith was shot in the back in March of last year. After undergoing six surgeries, he is paralyzed from the waist down. Prior to being shot, he had been a loss of contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

“As soon as he was stabilized he turned himself in,” continued McGough. “But DC Jail is just not equipped to take care of him.”

McGough said that he is suffering from an infection and needs another surgery. She also learned from her client that DC Jail is not giving him the necessary medical supplies and care needed to treat his condition.

“We are sorry for what he is going through,” said the prosecution. “But Mr. Smith was a loss of contact for 13 months before he turned himself in.”

According to the prosecutor, a release request will be opposed because Smith is a flight risk. Smith has also been a loss of contact in Maryland for his probation for a murder that occurred in 1988.

Judge Julie Becker set a bond review hearing on Nov. 5 to address McGough’s request that her client be moved to 24-hour home confinement.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Probation Under Youth Act

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to one year of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

In November 2019, Jabari Reid was charged with carrying a pistol without and license outside a home or business. Later that month, he was indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without and license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Reid, 19, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in exchange for the other charges being dropped.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced him to fourteen months for the pistol charge and 90 days for the marijuana charge. She suspended the entirety of both sentences and set them to run concurrently.

Reid was also sentenced to one year of probation for each charge, which will also run concurrently. Conditions of his probation for the pistol charge include enrollment in a GED or academic program, referral to grief counseling (which will not be a violation if he does not complete it), 90 hours of community service, alcohol treatment as deemed appropriate by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) and referral to a mentor.

Since Reid was sentenced under the youth act, his case will be effectively sealed once he completes his requirements.

The prosecution argued that Reid should be sentenced to 18 months, with 15 of them suspended, plus one year of probation. The prosecutor argued that three months in prison could serve as a deterrent to prevent future criminal activity.

Reid’s attorney, Corinne Shultz, requested one year probation. She said that Reid had been highly compliant and was looking to earn his high school degree. She also said that taking of a plea early showed him taking responsibility for his actions.

Reid was arrested On Nov. 14, 2019, after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw Reid on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE, acting suspiciously, according to court documents.

Reid was allegedly holding his left arm tightly to his side and stopped walking as officers drove by. Once they passed, Reid continued holding his arm tightly and walked towards a vehicle.

The officers stopped their vehicles and approached Reid, documents state. They noticed one side of his jacket was heavily weighed down, but Reid denied having a firearm.

The officers patted him down and discovered a pistol. They placed Reid under arrest and soon after discovered Marijuana and approximately $500 dollars.

Reid must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund for the possession charge and $100 for the pistol charge. He will also have to register as a gun offender.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Defendant in Felony Case Under Youth Act

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a 19-year-old defendant to probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

On May 25, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were patrolling and received a tip that Kayon Beverly,was in possession of a handgun. The officers approached Beverly on the 1500 block of First Street, SW, where a cookout was occurring. As the officers approached, Beverly took flight and the officers immediately apprehended him. He resisted arrest, but officers were ultimately able to detain him.

Beverly was found in possession of an unregistered pistol, a pill bottle containing oxycodone with the label scratched off and almost $400 dollars.

He ended up being indicted on charges of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possession of a controlled substance.

Beverly pleaded guilty to the charges in August in exchange for the prosecution dismissing his other case, in which he was also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

During the Oct. 26 hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Beverly to 90 days for the possession charge and six months for the pistol charge. She suspended both sentences in their entirety.

Judge Brandt also sentenced him to and one year of probation for each case. The probation and the sentence for each charge will run concurrently.

As conditions of Beverly’s probation for the pistol charge, he must receive mentoring services, enroll in the Community Engagement and Achievement Center and continue to live with his relative in Maryland. He will not have to do any community service because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since Beverly was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements.

The prosecution said the defendant had been compliant and does well with structure. He requested 180 days suspended for the offense of possession of a controlled substance, six months suspended for possession of a pistol without a license, and one year of probation for both charges to run concurrently.

Beverly’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, was in agreement with the sentencing. Beverly also argued on his behalf and said that he was working towards his professional aspirations and seeking employment while he continues school.

Beverly must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime compensation fund for the possession charge and $100 for the pistol charge.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.

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