Defendant’s Renewed Request for COVID-19 Release Denied

On July 22, a DC Superior Court Judge denied a defendant’s second request to be released from DC Jail due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tony Arrington is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly entering a business on the 700 block of Kennedy Street, NW and stealing around $1,680 on Feb. 19. He has been held in DC Jail since Feb. 21.

Arrington, 50, has from a number of underlying health concerns that could make him more vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus. He requested to be released from DC Jail because of health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic before.

A judge also denied his request in April.

The second motion for release was filed in June.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki said her client’s underlying health conditions have made him “genuinely fearful” of contracting the coronavirus. She also said this stress has exacerbated his underlying medical conditions, and he is now receiving steroidal treatment.

Kopecki said Arrington could stay with his cousin in Capitol Heights, Md. and would willingly to wear a GPS monitoring device and comply with home confinement.

Judge Erik Christian said he found the motion was no different from the motion that was denied in April.

The judge said Arrington has received appropriate treatment from DC Jail for his medical issues and, while Arrington’s block-mates have been previously treated for the virus, there are currently no cases of the coronavirus within the facility.

Arrington, who has a criminal history, including a pending burglary charge in Maryland and noncompliance with release conditions in the past, still poses a danger to the community and is a flight risk, Judge Christian said.

According to Keena Blackmon, director of strategic communications and public information officer for the DC Jail, there have been no new COVID-19 cases at Department of Correction’s facilities since early June.

Blackmon said the jail has only identified one new inmate who tested positive during the jail’s intake process. The process includes a 14-day quarantine for medical observation for every new inmate. It was instituted as part of the DC Jail’s COVID-19 protocols.

Arrington is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 28.

Judge Holds Defendant for Firearm Possession

On July 22, a DC Superior Court judge granted the prosecution’s request to hold a defendant.

Shawn Tolbert, also known as Shawn Tobart, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction after an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted a search of his apartment on May 12 and found a shotgun and a handgun.

That morning, the MPD responded to a report of shots fired near a residence in the 3600 block of 6th Street, SE. When they arrived at the scene, they found multiple shell casings, according to court documents.

Officers said the suspect sat at the back door of the building and fired the shotgun into the ground.

The MPD requested a search warrant after knocking on Tolbert’s door and seeing guns directly inside of his apartment. While those guns ended up being BB guns, the MPD found a shotgun and a handgun in his apartment.

At the time of his arrest, Tolbert was on probation for second-degree assault and illegal possession of a firearm in Maryland. He was placed on GPS monitoring after the COVID-19 pandemic prevented him from reporting to his probation officer in person.

When he was arrested, the GPS monitor was found cut off in his apartment.

Tolbert said he was under the impression that he only had to wear the monitor for a certain period of time.

Daniel Kolver, Tolbert’s attorney, requested that his client be released under home confinement with allowances to leave for work and physical therapy. Kolver said the MPD’s search of Tolbert’s apartment was “plainly illegal” and the weapons could have been owned by Tolbert’s wife.

However, Judge Renee Raymond sided with the prosecution, granting the request to hold the defendant.

She said she did not find the defendant’s GPS argument compelling, and she was especially concerned that shots were fired at two different times during early morning hours on the day of the incident.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Aug. 3 to discuss the status of the case.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a defendant who failed to appear in court for his July 22 hearing.

Alonte Hines pleaded guilty to robbery on Jan. 23. Hines, 19, has been under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) while awaiting sentencing since May 17, 2019.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said the defendant has been a loss of contact since July 5, when the battery on his GPS monitor died.

Defense attorney Russell Hairston opposed the bench warrant, saying his client may not have known about the hearing. Hairston’s attempt to contact his client was unsuccessful.

Judge Danya Dayson said the defendant would have known about the hearing if he was keeping in compliance with his release condition.

On May 15, 2019, three adult men dragged a victim into a building on the 5000 block of D Street, SE.

One of the suspects pointed a handgun at the victim while another went through the victim’s pockets and took his iPhone, Galaxy Note, keys and wallet. The group then took the victim’s vehicle and drove away, according to court documents.

Defendant Isn’t Competent to Stand Trial

A DC Superior Court judge found a defendant facing simple assault and possession of a dangerous weapon charges incompetent to stand trial.

Deborah Pipkin is charged with simple assault for allegedly striking a victim with a walking cane on July 7 on the 1300 block of U Street, NW.

The preliminary competency exam was ordered on June 11. During the July 22 hearing, Judge Ronna Beck agreed to transfer Pipkin to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, where she will receive mental health treatment in an effort to restore her competency.

A hearing to evaluate her progress is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Judge Removes GPS Tracking from Defendant’s Release Conditions

On July 22, a DC Superior Court judge allowed a defendant to be taken off GPS monitoring while on pretrial release.

The defendant is charged with second-degree child sex abuse.

Judge Danya Dayson cited the defendant’s compliance thus far and lack of a criminal record when making her decision.

Defense attorney Solange Hilfinger-Pardo asked for her client’s GPS monitor to be removed because he wants to get another job and was told the ankle monitor will make obtaining employment difficult.

The prosecution expressed concern that the defendant would not comply with his stay away order from the victim and her mother if the tracking device was removed.

Hilfinger-Pardo said the defendant has been fully compliant with his pretrial release conditions. He calls in weekly with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and immediately got his GPS fixed when there was an issue with its battery.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Shooting on H Street, SE

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect who is believed to be involved in a shooting on the 5000 block of H Street, SE.

According to a press release, officers found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds on May 2. The victims were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The 26-year-old suspect was arrested on an assault with a dangerous weapon charge.

The case is still under investigation.

Anyone who has knowledge of the incident should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text Department’s TEXT TIP LINE — 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.

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Judge Continues Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge continued a preliminary hearing for two defendants charged with armed carjacking and robbery while armed with a firearm.

On May 9, Keon Smith and Ja’cori Williams allegedly stole a dog and asked its owner to pay them $500 before they could return the dog. When the owner only provided $200, the two defendants pointed a gun at him and took his black Chevy Malibu. Surveillance footage showed them abandoning the vehicle at the intersection of Gainesville Street and Elvans Road, SE while being pursued by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers.

Defense attorney Leo Alley said the victim was giving conflicting statements to the MPD.

Alley screened body camera footage showing an officer accusing the victim of lying about the time of day he initially reached out to the MPD about his dog being taken. The officer was heard saying “that’s a lie” to the complainant throughout the clip.

Alley also said the detective, who the prosecution called upon to testify, said he could not confirm Williams was among the two suspects involved in the case. Footage of the detective interviewing the victim did not show him and the victim mentioning a person that fit Williams’ description.

The detective said he could not identify Williams from a surveillance video that allegedly showed the two men abandoning the complainant’s vehicle. The detective said the video was too blurry.

A judge, who was presiding over the case on behalf of Judge Erik Christian, asked the defense to save their arguments for the next day.

The hearing is scheduled to continue on July 23.

Document: Homicide in Petworth

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide in the Petworth neighborhood in Northwest, DC.

According to a press release, officers found 30 year-old Nurudeen Thomas, a resident of Greenbelt, Md., suffering from a gunshot wound on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of this case or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-797-9099. Anonymous information can also be sent to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Crime Alerts: July 21

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out four crime alerts on July 21.

The most recent crime alert was sent at 9:55 p.m. for a robbery with a gun crime on the 1300 block of Kenyon Street, NW. Police are looking for two black male juveniles driving a silver Dodge avenger with DC tags.

Another alert was sent at 8:36 p.m. for an armed carjacking that occurred at 8:01 p.m. on the 7400 block of 7th Street, NW. Police are looking for a black male wearing a white tank top with black pants. The suspect is also wearing a black mask and is armed with a gun. He was last seen driving a black in color Ford F150 bearing MD Tags — 6EA5101.

Six minutes before an alert was sent for a shooting on the 200 block of N Street, SW. Police are looking for two black males. The first suspect is wearing a black sweatshirt and blue jeans. The second suspect has dreadlocks and is wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.

At 3:38 p.m. police alerted the public of a stabbing on the 1400 block of W Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

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

Document: Police Arrest Suspects in Connection with 19 Robbery Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that an arrest has been made in connection to several robbery offenses that occurred between June 23 and July 19.

A 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested in connection with the crimes on July 19. Two other juvenile males were also arrested for armed robbery and attempting to commit robbery on July 4.

The string of crimes began on June 23. The suspect allegedly committed second degree-theft on the 1300 block of Farragut Street, NW. A week later, the suspect allegedly entered a location on 300 block of Varnum Street, NW in the middle of the night.

In the early morning hours of July 1, the suspect allegedly took part in unlawful entry and second-degree theft again.

The suspect was also arrested for armed robbery and attempted robbery for incidents that occurred on July 4 on the 1800 block of 14th Street, NW and the 1300 block of 9th Street, NW, respectively. Two juvenile males, 15 and 14, were arrested in connection with the crimes on July 7.

On July 6, the suspect allegedly used force and violence in a robbery on the 2600 block of 16th Street, NW at 5:20 a.m.

Then, on July 11, the suspect participated in an armed robbery on the 3400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW at 2:55 a.m. On July 14, the suspect allegedly used a vehicle without authorization on the 600 block of Fairmont Street, NW.

The suspect also allegedly partook in two armed robberies with a knife and another using force and violence between 5:39 a.m. and 6:39 a.m. on July 15.

On July 18, the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle and committed armed robbery using a knife. Both of these crimes occurred around 3:36 a.m. on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW.

On July 19 at the same time, the suspect allegedly committed robbery while armed with a gun.

He is also charged with unarmed carjacking, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and simple assault for events on the 1100 block of Wahler Place, SE.

Finally, on July 19, between 11:00 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., the suspect allegedly assaulted a victim with the intent to commit robbery and then allegedly committed another robbery, stealing a vehicle while using force and violence.

The suspect was also charged with robbery while armed with a gun, force and violence and assault for his alleged connection to criminal activities on July 19.

The case is still under investigation.

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Judge Reschedules Hearing for Bail Violation

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a preliminary hearing for a defendant charged with a bail violation.

Robert Smith, who is also known as Jamal Jerome Smith, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Smith was scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 24, 2019, for his jury trial. However, he did not show up, which resulted in his bail violation charge.

A plea deal for the violation is being offered to the defense.

Defense attorney Bruce Cooper asked Judge Ronna Beck to reschedule the hearing so he could have more time to discuss the deal with his client.

Judge Beck permitted the request, rescheduling the hearing for Aug. 5.

The defendant’s presence was waived for the July 21 hearing. Cooper asked for his client to be present for the next hearing so that his decision regarding the plea deal would be on the record.

Judge Resumes Drug Testing for Murder Defendant

On July 21, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson ordered a murder defendant to resume his weekly drug testing as a condition of his pretrial release.

Tylek Dunkins is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Amoni Richardson, who was killed on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, SE, on Oct. 24, 2019.

Dunkins, 18, must now be tested for a number of substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana.

He tested positive for marijuana on four different occasions since Oct. 25 prior to the suspension of drug testing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has not been tested since March 9.

Defense attorney Joseph Wong said his client was confused by the positive results, which were a result of second-hand smoking.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer said information about the levels of marijuana present in the defendant is not available.

Dunkins also had issues with reporting to the PSA via phone. He failed to report on June 6, 13, and 20. However, he has resumed contact since them.

On Oct. 24, 2019, Dunkins allegedly drove his vehicle into a woman he did not see at a high rate of speed. After the collision, he did not stop due to fear and uncertainty about what to do. In an interview with a detective, the defendant said he smoked marijuana and was driving towards a school when the incident occurred, according to court documents.

Judge Holds Simple Assault Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge denied releasing a defendant from DC Jail on July 21.

The defendant was brought before the court in four domestic violence cases. He is charged with simple assault and contempt for violating the terms of his release.

The defendant allegedly violated pretrial release conditions by repeatedly harassing and assaulting a woman with whom he had children, despite receiving stay away and home confinement orders.

Defense attorney Everald Thompson said his client had been living harmoniously with the victim for seven years until his recent incidents.

He said the defendant became unstable because he “was in the middle of physical recuperation” after being shot in 2015 and having chronic pain ever since.

Thompson also said the defendant had a job at a retail store and his manager misses him.

When asked where the defendant would live should he be released, Thompson said he would be living with his cousin. However, it seems as though the cousin may have withdrawn the offer.

The prosecution objected to the defendant’s release, saying the victim was known to have called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on him multiple times, suggesting they were not on good terms.

The prosecutor also said the defendant told the victim he would not abide by any court orders.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan sided with the prosecution, saying that the defendant posed a danger to his victim and the community.

Taylor is scheduled for a status hearing on Sept. 25.

Judge Issues Bench Warrants for 2 Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge issued two bench warrants for defendants who failed to appear at their July 21 hearings.

Athena Powell-Bey is charged with simple assault for allegedly spitting on and hitting an employee on the 300 block of 7th Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2019.

Defense attorney Peter Odom said he has been unable to contact the homeless defendant by email or phone since March 6.

Odom opposed a bench warrant, saying he would not like to see his client, who has mental health issues, arrested.

Judge Danya Dayson understood Odom’s concern, but did not think there was any other way to get in contact with the defendant.

Anthony Wall pleaded guilty to second-degree theft for stealing food from a Whole Foods Market on the 600 block of H Street, NE on Oct. 26.

An officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) said the defendant failed to seek and accept psychiatric treatment, as required by his probation.

Wall has not contacted CSOSA since July 8, even though he is supposed to call twice a week.

Defense attorney Chantal Jean-Baptiste opposed the bench warrant since she was unable to contact her client to inform him of the hearing. She said she only had a few days to try and reach the defendant because it was an emergency hearing.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in One Case, Judge Revokes Probation in Two Others

A defendant pleaded guilty in one case and had his probation revoked in two others.

During the July 21 hearing, the defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault for hitting his mother in the chest.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan gave the defendant a suspended sentence of 150 days plus one year of probation.

As conditions of his probation, the defendant must take a mental health assessment, drug and alcohol testing and pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

As part of the plea deal, a simple assault case from January was dismissed.

The hearing also addressed noncompliance issues Hoffman had with his probation in two separate cases. In one case, he was convicted of simple assault. In the other, he is charged with simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000.

Both cases required Hoffman to serve one year of supervised probation.

Even though a probation officer said Hoffman has not been complying with the terms of his probation, the judge still terminated the probation in the two other cases during the hearing on July 21.

Hoffman is scheduled for a hearing on Sept. 2.

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