Judge Issues Bench Warrant For Homeless Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a domestic violence defendant charged with sexual abuse and simple assault.

The defendant was ordered to return to court on July 28 to address his issues complying with his pretrial release conditions.

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

Defense attorney Celine Schroeder said her client is currently homeless and the COVID-19 pandemic is making it difficult for shelters to admit him. She asked the court to reschedule the hearing and give her more time to reach the defendant, as he has not picked up new cases since April.

However, the prosecution requested the bench warrant, saying that the defendant is unlikely to return voluntarily, given the length of time he has been a loss of contact.

The judge referenced the defendant’s history of noncompliance with release conditions as well as his 2015 sexual abuse conviction.

The defendant is scheduled for a status hearing on Oct. 5.

Defendant Transferred to Hospital for Mental Exam

On July 28, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered that a defendant be moved to DC’s psychiatric institution for an exam.

Devonte Wright, 21, is charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed in connection with a stabbing that occurred on March 27 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

A full competency exam was ordered for Wright after a medical professional could not determine Wright’s mental competency to stand trial after conducting an exam at the DC Jail. Wright’s next test will take place at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

Another mental observation hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26. Wright is being held at St. Elizabeth’s.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a report of a stabbing. Officers found a two-year-old female child suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The responding officers apprehended the suspect at the scene and recovered a knife.

Judge Resentences Defendant for 2012 Crime

A DC Superior Court judge resentenced a defendant to 18 months of supervised release for a crime from 2012.

Emmanuel West pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business for an incident that occurred in 2012 when he was a minor. After his release, West was convicted of a crime in Virginia on Dec. 11, 2015. and was incarcerated for five years. On March 4, West was held at DC Jail due to multiple bench warrants for his 2012 crime.

On July 28, Judge Danya Dayson resentenced West to 18 months, all of which were suspended, for carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business. She also sentenced him to time served for the controlled substance charge.

The conditions of West’s probation include registering as a gun offender and not possessing a firearm. His probation in DC will run concurrently with his ongoing probation in Virginia.

“I’m ready to come home,” said West. “I know what my mistakes are and I am trying to go back to the community and be a better man.”

West has no further hearings scheduled at this time.

Judge Resentences Defendant on Probation

On July 28, a DC Superior Court judge resentenced a defendant after multiple bail and probation violations.

Theodore Wilson, who is also known as Terry Welsh, pleaded guilty to shoplifting, second-degree theft, and bail violation on April 6, 2018. He was released on probation but never reported to the Court Services and Supervision Agency (CSOSA.) He also failed to appear for multiple hearings regarding the violations. Wilson has been held at DC Jail intermittently for over 180 days since his release on April 6, 2018.

The defendant will continue his original sentence of two years on probation with conditions including GPS tracking, drug treatment, job training and counseling as needed. He also must pay $150 to the Crime Victims Compensation fund within one year.

“Your criminal record as of late does show you as stuck in this whirlwind of certain behaviors,” Judge Danya Dayson said. “I would recommend that you avail yourself to some services to get out of this situation and to find some way to break out of where you’ve been.”

Wilson was detained on March 6 after he failed to complete an in-patient drug treatment program. He has not been able to access drug treatment in detention.

“Mr. Wilson has been uncertain for a long period of time about how long his detention would last, said defense attorney Anthony Viviani.”

The defendant also has a history of misdemeanor charges.

Wilson has no further hearings scheduled at this time.

Judge Continues Defendant’s Competency Treatment

On July 27, a DC Superior Court judge continued a defendant’s treatment at DC’s psychiatric hospital so that he could regain competency to stand trial.

Julian Lewis is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly hitting a woman on the head with a glass bottle he grabbed from a trash can on the 1200 block of U Street, NW on Oct. 31, 2019.

Lewis, 30, has been held at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital since Jan. 16. The defendant was found incompetent to stand trial on Feb. 12, May 8 and July 27.

Defense attorney Stephen Logerfo said his client is able to understand the factual basis of what occurred but still has trouble understanding his charges.

He is now voluntarily taking his medication and complying with the treatment.

Judge Michael Ryan said the defendant is likely to gain competency with continued treatment.

“You’ve had a long journey so far, and you’re doing a lot right now,” he said. “I encourage you to keep doing what you’ve been doing.”

The victim in this case was taken to Howard University Hospital, where she was treated for a laceration to her left ear and a contusion to her head.

Lewis is scheduled for another mental health observation hearing on Aug. 24.

Document: Police Arrest 5 Suspects in Connection to Robberies

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested five suspects in connection to various robberies that occurred between June 17 and July 24.

On July 19, 20 year-old Andre Fluellyn was arrested by the MPD in connection to a robbery that occurred on June 17. The suspect allegedly approached a victim in his vehicle at midnight on the 100 block of Irving Street, NW. He then demanded the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene in it.

The suspect was charged with unarmed carjacking and is awaiting a hearing to discuss the status of his case on Aug. 25.

On July 20, MPD officers arrested 18 year-old Richard Wise in connection to a robbery that occurred on June 20. He allegedly assaulted victims and stole their property at 8:45 a.m. on the 6700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The suspect was charged with second-degree theft, destruction of property less than $1,000 and simple assault misdemeanors.

Wise was released under personal recognizance with stay away orders on July 21.

On July 18, 25 year-old Shaquille Pittman was arrested for an offense that occurred earlier that day. The victim was driving the suspect to a destination at 5:32 p.m., when he allegedly demanded the victim’s property with a handgun on the 4300 block of Polk Street, NE.

The suspect is charged with armed robbery. His case is pending a grand jury. Pittman’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 25.

On July 22, 33 year-old Derjuan Morris, was arrested for allegedly snatching a victim’s property earlier that day on the 300 block of G Street, SW. The defendant fled the scene but was apprehended by responding officers.

Morris is charged with robbery and is awaiting a hearing on Sept. 4. The defendant was released under personal recognizance.

On July 24, 22 year-old Treyvon Littles was arrested for a robbery that occurred earlier that day. The defendant allegedly assaulted a victim and took the victim’s property on the 600 block of H Street, NW. He was then apprehended by responding officers.

The suspect is charged with robbery. He is being held without bond and is awaiting a hearing on Aug. 26.

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‘People make mistakes, and they can change,’ Defendant Says

A defendant’s defense attorney asked a judge to be lenient on sentencing his client.

Curtis Fann pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm on June 23. He was initially charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition in October 2018.

Fann’s defense attorney, Bruce Cooper, asked District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson to consider not requiring Fann to register as a gun offender. Cooper said Fann worked as an IT contractor for three and a half years and has been working for Lyft, Uber and Instacart since the charges were filed.

D.C. Witness reached out to Lyft, Uber and Instacart to understand whether being a registered gun offender in DC is a disqualifying factor for employment. D.C. Witness was unable to get a clear answer from any of the companies regarding their policies after several attempts.

Judge Dayson said she was taking into account all of the circumstances discussed, Fann’s lack of criminal history and the fact that he took responsibility for his mistake.

She said it was clear that this mistake is “not some sort of pattern.”

Judge Dayson sentenced Fann to 90 days of incarceration, suspending the time in confinement and required him to serve six months of unsupervised probation and register as a gun offender for two years after his probation ends.

According to court documents, Fann boarded an Amtrak train in Alexandria, Va. to retrieve a loaded gun that his cousin left on the train when he was arrested in Charlottesville, Va. Amtrak police were alerted that Fann was acting strangely and found the gun between his seat and the wall of the train.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 180 days in prison, with the whole amount of time suspended, and six months on unsupervised probation along with Fann registering as a gun offender.

Fann made a personal statement, apologizing for his actions. He said he started working for the federal government when he was 15 and has not been able to work for the government because of his charges.

“People make mistakes, and they can change,” he said.

Document: Arrest Made in Assault With a Gun

On July 27, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 800 block of 44th Street, NW for a report of an assault with a gun.

At approximately 8:45 p.m., 44 year-old Kevin Dwayne Ross, of Southeast, DC, was involved in a verbal altercation with multiple victims. Ross allegedly pointed and discharged a gun at the victims during the altercation, though no one was injured.

Ross fled the scene and was apprehended by MPD officers. He was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun), carrying a pistol without a license, unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition.

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Judge Releases Defendant from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

A DC Superior Court judge released a defendant from DC’s psychiatric hospital.

Brittney Marshall is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful entry and contempt misdemeanors. The 26-year-old has been held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital since April 30.

Judge Michael Ryan declared her competent to stand trial during a July 27 hearing.

Judge Ryan released her under the Specialized Supervision Unit (SSU,) which provides supervision to defendants with mental illnesses and cognitive impairments. She was released with the understanding that she will reside at her brother’s house.

“You’ve done a very good job so far,” Judge Ryan told the defendant. “Please keep up the hard work.”

On Feb. 11, Marshall allegedly trespassed 15 feet into restricted White House territory on the 1600 block of E Street, NW.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer asked if she had a White House pass.

“I do not have a White House pass,” she responded. “I am the President.”

The defendant received a stay away order from the White House zone, but allegedly went back to the area on Feb. 18. She said she needed to get inside the White House, but had been arrested the day before.

She also allegedly yelled at a community opportunity center employee on the 1300 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, saying she was going to “f*** her up and break all the windows out her vehicle” on Feb. 20.

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

Document: Arrest Made in Child Sex Trafficking Case

A 63 year-old man was arrested for arranging for a sexual act with a child in exchange for money.

At approximately 3 p.m. on July 27, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Division – Internet Crimes Against Children Branch arrested George Lloyd Oglesbee, of Alexandria, VA, in DC.

Oglesbee is charged with sex trafficking of children.

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Crime Alerts: July 27-28

Between 9 p.m. on July 27 and 10 a.m. on July 28, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out eight crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 7:22 a.m. for a robbery on the 2300 Block of 4th Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, light complexion, 5’11”, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans and armed with a black handgun.

Another alert for a robbery was sent at 4:10 a.m. on the 3300 block of Benning Road, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, between 20 and 25 years of age, wearing a white button down shirt on top of a white tank top and dark pants.

An alert for an assault with intent to rob was sent at 12:57 a.m. on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, 18-25 years old, light complexion, driving a dark RAV 4 with unknown tags.

An alert for a robbery was sent at 12:51 a.m. on the 300 block of Eastern Avenue. Police are looking for three Black males, 19-20 years of age. The first suspect is tall and wearing a red shirt. The second suspect is tall and wearing a white shirt. The third suspect is short and wearing a black shirt.

An alert for a robbery of an establishment was sent at 12:04 a.m. on the 2500 block of Benning Road, NE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a blue mask, with a slim build wearing black jeans and a black short sleeved shirt. He is believed to be armed with a gun.

A crime alert for a shooting was sent at 11:44 p.m. on the 400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

A crime alert for a stabbing was sent at 11:24 p.m. on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

A final alert was sent at 10:26 p.m. for a shooting at the intersection of 44th and Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

Crime Alerts: July 27

There Metropolitan Police Department sent out one crime alert at 2:57 p.m. on July 27.

Shooting Investigation at 2:30 p.m. on the 200 block of 43rd Road, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

If anyone has information about this incident, please call 911.

Judge Schedules Hearing for Defendant to Take Plea Deal

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing for Aug. 11 for a firearms defendant to enter a plea deal.

Chester Harrison, 42, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Thecla Bethel, Harrison’s attorney, was under the impression that her client would be entering a plea agreement during the July 27 hearing.

However, Judge Danya Dayson then informed Bethel that, under the court’s order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, defendants cannot be present at afternoon hearings. Harrison was therefore unable to enter a plea, since a defendant is required to be present to do so.

On May 23 Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw a bulge in the back of Harrison’s shirt on the 2100 block of H Street, NE. Officers then tracked Harrison and eventually stopped him for driving under the influence on the 1200 block of Bladensburg Road, NE.

The officers then searched Harrison’s vehicle at the scene and recovered a functioning handgun that was stolen from Virginia.

Harrison was convicted of the same charge in 2017.

Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for Robbery Defendant

On July 27, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing for Aug. 24 to determine if an armed robbery case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Rochelle Crowder, 52, is accused of stabbing a man while trying to get the victims debit card information on May 23 on the 1400 block of Perry Place, NW.

Crowder’s attorney, Joseph Yarbough, said he was unsure of possible dates for the preliminary hearing because he had not been in contact with the prosecution’s witness.

The prosecution said they had been in contact with the witness but had not been able to ask her when she was available.

Judge Danya Dayson said it makes more sense to schedule a hearing date in court. She also said the prosecution can file a motion to change the date of the hearing if the current date does not work for the witness.

After receiving the wrong PIN number for the card, Crowder allegedly stabbed the victim in his hand and thigh, according to court documents. He was arrested later that day after the victim flagged down Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers and gave them a description of Crowder.

Document: Traffic Fatality Involving Police Vehicle

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer’s vehicle was involved in a traffic crash on July 24.

At 9:37 p.m., a member of the MPD was responding to assist another officer in a marked police vehicle. The officer was on the 2800 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, when he hit an adult female who was walking on the road.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as 62-year old Devonne Christine Harris.

The MPD’s Internal Affairs Division and Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating the crash.

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