Judge Denies Releasing Defendant Despite Health Concerns

A DC Superior Court judge denied releasing a defendant who is concerned about his health in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dexter Brown was brought before the court in two cases on July 21. He is charged with conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree theft, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, carrying a pistol without license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and possessing a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

Judge Neal Kravitz ruled against the release, citing the strong evidence against Brown, the violent nature of the crime and the lack of current COVID-19 cases at the DC Jail.

Brown is accused of robbing an unlicensed marijuana dispensary on the 500 block of H Street, NE at gunpoint in February of 2019, zip-tying the employees in the process.

Defense attorney Sean Murphy unsuccessfully argued for his client’s release during the July 21 hearing, saying DC Jail provides an unsafe environment for Brown, who has a lengthy medical history and previously contracted the coronavirus.

Murphy also pointed out Brown’s successful completion of probation in the past, saying if his client was released, he would comply with any terms.

He has been detained at DC Jail since Oct. 5, 2019.

Brown’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 7.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Multiple Charges

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to one year on supervised probation.

Jamie Bryant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance during release, a bail violation, second-degree burglary and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.

“I sincerely apologize for having issues with pretrial services and the court order,” said Bryant. “Now that I have necessary mental health medication, I hope you understand that I have an appreciation for the time that I’ve served.”

Judge Ronna Beck suspended Bryant’s jail sentence for all charges and gave him credit for time served. She said Bryant has been a “plague to society” and must avoid any future arrests or he will be incarcerated for the time she suspended.

“I really do want you to succeed on probation,” said Judge Beck.

Bryant’s probation conditions include participating in a mental health screening, substance abuse assessment, an employment assistance program, a vocational assessment and housing assistance.

According to a court document, Bryant was arrested for distribution of crack cocaine during an undercover operation on Feb. 4 at the intersection of North Capitol Street and O Street, NW. The judge released Bryant on personal recognizance, ordering him to stay away from the location of the crime.

Bryant failed to appear for a hearing on March 11. A bench warrant was issued, and he was charged with a bail violation.

He was arrested on March 18 for unlawful entry of a motor vehicle when he was found searching through the trunk of another person’s car. The defendant was released on March 19 with conditions.

Less than two weeks later, Bryant was arrested for second-degree burglary for an incident that occurred at a construction site on the 1000 block of 21st Street, NW.

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann decided to hold Bryant at DC Jail.

Judge Reschedules Hearing for Domestic Violence Case

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge rescheduled hearing for a domestic violence case.

The defendant is charged with second-degree cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon. He has been held in DC Jail since April 30. This is the second time that Williams’s hearing has been rescheduled.

Defense attorney Steven Ogilvie requested that the hearing be rescheduled due to “difficulties to contact [the defendant] at the jail.”

The defendant said he was confused because he recently spoke with his attorney and signed several documents. Judge Ronna Beck permitted Williams and Ogilvie to have a private phone call during the hearing to discuss how to proceed.

The defendant returned to the hearing in agreement with his attorney.

Judge Beck rescheduled the hearing for July 30.

Defendant Enters Into Agreement with Prosecution

On July 21, a defendant entered into a deferred prosecution agreement.

Debra Lambert pleaded guilty to simple assault for striking a victim on Dec. 19, 2019, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

Lambert must complete 32 hours of community service within the four month-long deferment period. The agreement also states that she cannot receive any new charges.

Lambert is also ordered not to harass, assault, stalk or threaten (HATS) the victim.

Judge William Nooter explained to Lambert that, if she complies with the requirements during the deferment period, her guilty plea will be withdrawn and the prosecution will dismiss the case.

Lambert will return to court on Nov. 20 to discuss her compliance.

Judge Holds Defendant Charged With Unlawful Entry

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge denied a release request from a defendant charged with unlawful entry.

Alexander Day is charged with contempt in two separate cases for violating the conditions of his pretrial release.

Defense attorney Ravi Regunathan asked that his client be released, as he is able to seek mental health treatment with Community Connections, a nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health, residential services, and primary health care coordination for marginalized and disenfranchised DC residents.

Regunathan suggested that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) escort him to his parents’ home where he can get some money to arrive at a homeless shelter.

“The last time he got let out [of jail], he had no money, no ability to go anywhere, no way to charge his phone, ” said Regunathan. “So he let go of the last hearing, and ended up getting arrested.”

The prosecution objected, saying they confirmed there were no beds left at the shelter the defense mentioned, and it would take up to a month to secure another bed.

The prosecutor also said the current hearing was only to determine whether Day is competent to stand trial so that arguments regarding his release were not relevant.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan agreed, saying the defense ought to make their arguments during a detention hearing.

The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) determined that Day was competent to stand trial after conducting a forensic psychiatric evaluation on July 15.

Day is scheduled for a detention hearing on Aug. 6.

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Defendant Takes Plea Deal

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 120 days with credit for time served plus one year of probation.

Brian Lomax pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, assault and unlawful entry onto private property. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, his bail violation and additional unlawful entry charges were dropped.

Lomax has around 65 more days of his sentence left at DC Jail.

Judge Steven Wellner sentenced Lomax to more time than what he has already served to provide additional time to determine where he will go when released. It is “appropriate due to the seriousness of the crime and to ensure a smooth transition,” the judge said.

As conditions of his probation, Lomax must comply with a stay away order, take any medications directed by a doctor and receive a mental health assessment and treatment as deemed necessary by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

The defendant’s probation may be changed from supervised to unsupervised in six months if he is found to be in compliance with the requirements.

According to court documents, Lomax was arrested on Dec. 23, 2019, for entering a store on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW from which he was barred. Lomax was also arrested on May 25 after entering the same store, picking up a metal sign and repeatedly hitting a victim with it. Lomax fled the store, but was quickly stopped by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers.

Crime Alerts: July 20-21

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts since 8 p.m. on June 20. All but one of the alerts were in reference to shootings.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:22 a.m. for a shooting at 14th Street and Taylor Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect available.

Another alert of a shooting was sent out a 2:38 a.m. The gunfire occurred on the 200 Block of Newcomb Street, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

About an hour before, at 1:46 a.m. there was an alert of another shooting on the 100 block of Uhland Terrace, NE. Police are looking for a dark colored vehicle that was last seen in front of the location.

At 1:02 a.m. an alert for a shooting was also sent out. The shooting occurred on the 5300 block of East Capitol Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect available.

The only alert that was not reference to a shooting was of a robber that was sent out at 8:48 p.m. on July 20. The robbery occurred on the 300 block of 40th Street NE. The police are looking for two black males. The first suspect has a light complexion, medium build and is wearing a white shirt. The second suspect has a dark complexion, medium build and is wearing jeans. The suspect is believed to be armed with a gun.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Assault with a Weapon

On July 20, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to a press release, the 27-year-old suspect allegedly fired at a victim during a a verbal altercation on the 4300 block of Massachusetts Avenue, SE.

The victim was not injured and the incident, which took place on July 15, was domestic in nature.

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Defendant Enters Into Deferred Prosecution Agreement

A defendant charged with unlawful entry entered into a deferred prosecution agreement.

On Jan. 25, Sean Brislin entered an apartment on the 200 block of K Street, NE uninvited. The resident of the apartment contacted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after she discovered Brislin sleeping in her bed.

As part of the agreement, Brislin must stay away from the apartment and its resident, perform 32 hours of community service and partake in an alcohol treatment program.

However, the victim voiced her dissatisfaction with the agreement during the July 20 hearing. She said she was traumatized by the crime and the terms of the agreement did not sufficiently punish the defendant.

“I now feel like a stranger in my own dwelling,” she said.

Defense attorney Christopher Mutimer disagreed, saying the agreement was appropriate because Brislin has no criminal history. He also said that Brislin’s entry into the apartment could not have been intentional, as he was intoxicated at the time.

While acknowledging the resident’s concerns, Judge William Nooter ultimately proceeded with the agreement.

“The terms, especially the stay away order, will be strictly enforced by the court,” he said.

Brislin is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 20 for a status hearing.

Judge Issues A Bench Warrant for Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a defendant’s arrest, saying there does not appear to be any other way to find him.

Morgan Holmes is charged with simple assault, unlawful entry onto private property and contempt.

The July 20 hearing was scheduled to address the defendant’s issues with complying with his release conditions. He was released on March 6, but received a notice of noncompliance on March 10 and July 2.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said the defendant has been a loss of contact.

Police Investigate Homicide on Stanton Road, SE

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on July 19.

Around 11:30 p.m., police found 37-year-old Rayfone Gassaway unconscious and suffering from gunshot wounds on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE. Emergency Medical Services determined that the victim showed no signs of life.

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

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Judge Reschedules 3 Probation Show Cause Hearings

Three hearings that were supposed to happen on July 20 were rescheduled until Oct. 5.

Victor Guzman, Visious Dixon and Melvin Bray were scheduled for probation show cause hearings.

According to DC Courts, Guzman pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2019, to driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug and operating a vehicle while impaired. He was sentenced to one year of probation.

As conditions of his probation, Guzman was ordered to complete a traffic alcohol program and traffic safety program. He also must attend a victim impact panel.

After a report of a violation, Guzman’s probation was revoked on Feb. 3, 2020. He was sentenced to 75 days, 69 of which were suspended, and placed on six months of probation.

Dixon pleaded guilty to attempted operating of a vehicle after revocation of his license. He was put on probation for six months. While on probation, he was ordered to complete 90 hours of community service.

He received a probation violation report on June 4, 2020.

Bray pleaded guilty to leaving after colliding with personal injury. He was sentenced to 90 days, 66 of which were suspended. The remaining 24 days were to be served on weekends.

As conditions of his probation, Bray was ordered to complete drug testing and a traffic safety program. He is also required to attend a victim impact panel.

Bray received a probation violation report on Feb. 12, 2020.

Judge Waits to Rule on Assault Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell told parties he would decide on a defendant’s release by the end of the week, saying he needs more time before he can confidently make a ruling.

Buiam Yeshigeta is charged with simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and second-degree theft. He is charged in two misdemeanor cases from this year.

Yeshigeta has been held in DC Jail since March 10. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Yeshigeta’s hearings have been rescheduled multiple times.

Defense attorney Jamison Koehler requested that his client be released and connected with outpatient mental health services. Koehler cited many factual issues with the case, saying that a victim in one of the cases was intoxicated. Koehler also said an altercation, in another case, was perpetrated by both the victim and the defendant.

The lawyer also said Yeshigeta does not have another hearing for his cases until Oct. 9, emphasizing that the defendant would be held for eight months on unproven misdemeanor allegations.

Koehler the jail has not provided the defendant with the medications needed for his schizophrenia diagnosis.

Yeshigeta’s mother and sister, who he has a supportive relationship with, said they would be willing to take him to psychiatric appointments.

However, the prosecution said Yeshigeta should be held, citing the violent nature of the charges and the injuries one of the victims obtained.

The prosecution also pointed out that Yeshigeta was on probation for attempted possession of a prohibited weapon at the time of the incident.

Judge Crowell said Yeshigeta has troubling allegations against him, but the case will likely not be tried in the near future due to COVID-19.

Judge Crowell proposed the idea of eventually releasing Yeshigeta under home confinement as part of the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). He would only be able to leave his residence for psychiatric appointments.

However, Judge Crowell said he didn’t feel like he could make a decision during the hearing. He told both parties that he would make a decision by the end of this week.

Defense Asks for Time to Discuss Plea Offer

On July 20, a defense attorney asked a DC Superior Court judge to schedule another status hearing so she can receive a plea offer from the prosecution and discuss it with her client.

Demetrius Golden is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting a victim on March 26 on the 3200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck granted the defense’s request and scheduled another hearing for Aug. 25.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers identified Golden as the suspect from video surveillance that captured the license plate of a car the suspect was driving, according to court documents.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Suspected Homeless Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who may be homeless.

Dion Ingram is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly entering a shop on the 1200 block of Good Hope Road, SE with the intent to steal property in the early morning hours of April 14.

The July 20 hearing was held to address Ingram’s issues with complying with his release conditions.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) says he has been a loss of contact, is not complying with the terms of his pretrial release and has not verified his address.

The defendant was released on April 14. He received a notice of non compliance on June 22.

Ingram’s defense attorney said she thinks her client may be homeless, and that the number she has used to try and contact him has not been working.

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