Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a man as he entered the District of Columbia in pursuits to solicit sex from an underage individual.
According to a press release, the 24-year-old suspect was arrest on July 14.
[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6989425-7-15-20-Arrest-Made-in-a-Sex-Trafficking-of.html” responsive=true]
A DC Superior Court judge denied the release of a defendant facing a gun possession charge. Instead, the judge scheduled a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence in the case to go to trial.
Shawn Tobart’s defense attorney Daniel Kovlar argued that Tobart should be released as he has a home to stay in, resources available, and a job that he could work at.
Judge Anita Josey-Herring said July 15 that she would not release Tobart as she “doesn’t have any level of confidence that he will follow the conditions of release” based on prior criminal history and history of noncompliance.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 22.
Metropolitan Police Officers found Tobart in possession of a gun and arrested him on May 12 at 3500 block of 6th Street, SE. The officers saw the firearm in plain view at Tobart’s residence, court documents state.
A DC Superior Court judge denied the release of a defendant facing a charge of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The defense argued that Marcus Thomas is not a flight risk and if released promised to comply with all terms of release.
Judge Anita Josey-Herring decided July 15 not to release Thomas. She said she had concerns about him complying with the terms of release. The defendant has a history of not appearing for court or contacting probation officers.
According to court documents, Thomas was pulled over for a traffic stop on Nov. 13, 2019, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw that the vehicle was unregistered and asked if they could search the vehicle.
Thomas declined, but a k9 unit positively identified there was a substance. When officers searched the vehicle, they found substances that looked and smelled like PCP as well as methamphetamine (meth).
The substances tested positive for PCP and meth.
Another hearing for this case is set for Aug. 25.
A defendant pleaded guilty to attempted possession of unregistered firearms as part of a deferred sentencing agreement on July 15.
Charle Foster agreed to complete 48 hours of community service in either the District of Columbia or Virginia.
Judge John Campbell explained that the prosecution would dismiss all charges against her if she completes the requirements of the agreement within the next six months.
The judge said Foster would have to register as a gun offender and update her address with the police if she doesn’t successfully fulfill the terms of the agreement.
“If you do come back for sentencing, it means you’re not upholding your part of the deal,” said Judge Campbell.
Foster was arrested on May 6 after police found an unregistered Taurus TH40 handgun in her book bag while she was walking past the 1400 block of 9th Street, NW.
She was initially charged with carrying a pistol without a license, but the charge was dismissed after she accepted the plea deal.
Foster is scheduled for a deferred sentencing review on Jan. 14, 2021.
A DC Superior Court judge denied an assault defendant’s release request on July 15.
Joenathan Nelson is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly pointing a gun at someone on April 24 on the 5000 block of Georgia Ave, NW.
This was the second hearing regarding Nelson’s release. The previous hearing, scheduled on July 9, was continued for the defense to gather more details regarding resources available to Nelson if he were to be released.
Defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins said that his client would have access to the highest level of outpatient mental health support, including a dedicated psychiatrist and crisis services that are available 24/7, if he were to be released.
The prosecution opposed Nelson’s release, citing his lengthy criminal history, which includes violent crime and previous issues complying with the terms of his pretrial release.
The prosecutor also said Nelson has had various opportunities for treatment over the past decade that he has not utilized.
Judge Anita Josey-Herring agreed with the prosecution, saying she thinks the defendant is a danger to the community and does not have confidence he would utilize outpatient treatment.
Nelson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 24.
On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a defendant who failed to appear for his hearing.
Brandon Devaughn is charged with robbery and burglary for an incident on Feb. 22, 2019, on the 3900 block of Benning Road, NE. He allegedly robbed a store at this location with two other individuals. Devaughn has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On July 15, Davaughn was supposed to be present for a hearing addressing multiple notices of non-compliance with HISP from June 19 and July 10.
The defendant has already had multiple bench warrants filed for his arrest after failing to appear in September 2019 and January 2020.
On Jan. 8, the defendant was released to a High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).
Devaughn is scheduled for a hearing on Oct. 8.
On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to time served after he reached a plea agreement with the prosecution.
Donnell Wilkinson pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and attempted threats to do bodily harm. As part of the plea deal, his other charges of contempt, unlawful entry and a bail violation were dropped.
Judge Ronna Beck sentenced the defendant to time served at the request of the defense and the prosecution. Both parties cited Wilkinson’s previous inability to comply with probation conditions in the past.
The defense also mentioned Wilkinson’s blood disorder that puts him at higher risk for COVID-19.
Wilkinson said he knows he needs mental health services. Judge Beck suggested that he connect with the Public Defender Service.
“I hope you can get some help and we won’t see you back again,” Judge Beck said.
Wilkinson was arrested on April 28 for stealing items from an establishment on New Jersey Avenue, SE, threatening to kill an employee for getting in his way and fleeing the scene, documents state.
On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge agreed to continue a defendant’s hearing to Aug. 18 so that the defense attorney could have more time to review the prosecution’s plea offer with his client.
William Cox is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition in a 2018 case. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in March.
The prosecution has offered Cox a plea deal to resolve his outstanding cases. Defense attorney Albert Amissah said his client is very interested in the deal, but would like to review the case’s evidence before he accepts it.
Judge Ronna Beck granted the defense’s request with no objection from the prosecution.
On March 26, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were attempting to bust a narcotic operation, according to court documents. When they knocked on the door of Cox’s apartment, one of his children answered and the officers could clearly see a firearm in close proximity to the child. They then obtained a search warrant and recovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and multiple unregistered firearms.
Cox was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) while awaiting trial in his 2018 case but was held in DC Jail for his more recent charge.
After about two and half weeks, officers were able to arrest a suspect in connection to a homicide on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.
According to a press release, 19-year-old Diamante Butler, a resident of Southeast, DC, was apprehended for allegedly shooting 20-year-old Antwon Duncan on June 28.
[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6989323-7-15-20-Arrest-Made-in-a-Homicide-2600-Block-of.html” responsive=true]
Between 9 p.m. on July 14 and 9 a.m. on July 15, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts.
The most recent alert was sent at 6:56 a.m. for an armed robbery on the 2200 block of Cathedral Avenue, NW. Police are looking for five Black males between the ages of 18 and 20. They were last seen driving a black Cadillac bearing DC tags BY3456 towards Rock Creek Parkway.
Another alert for an armed robbery was sent at 6:41 a.m. on the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Police are looking for six Black males between 18 and 20 years of age, driving a black sedan Cadillac.
A crime alert for an armed carjacking was sent at 5:01 a.m. on the 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE. Police are looking for a 2017 silver Ford Fusion bearing DC tags GF7176. The car is believed to be occupied by four Black males wearing dark clothing. One of the men is wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and is believed to be armed with a knife.
An alert for a shooting was sent at 1:33 a.m. on the 600 block of O Street, NW. Police are looking for an unspecified vehicle in relation to the shooting.
The final alert was sent at 10:54 p.m. for a robbery on the 2700 block of 10th Street, NE. Police are looking for four Black males wearing masks driving a black four door bearing DC tags FZ3552.
If anyone knows anything about these events, please call 911.
On July 13, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a carjacking and robbery case has enough evidence to go to trial.
Co-defendants Keon Smith, 20, and Ja’cori Williams, 16, are charged with unarmed carjacking and armed robbery for allegedly demanding a victim’s rental car at gunpoint on May 9 on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE.
Williams is being tried as an adult.
Judge Ronna Beck scheduled the hearing for July 22.
According to court documents, around 2:46 p.m., one of the suspects displayed a handgun and demanded the keys to a black Chevy Malibu the victim was renting. The victim complied and the suspects fled the scene in the vehicle.
A short time later, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located the stolen vehicle and apprehended the defendants. Officers found a handgun in the car.
The Metropolitan Police Department sent out three crime alerts during the day on July 14.
The most recent crime alert was sent at 6:09 p.m. for a shooting on the 1900 block of 19th Place S.E. Police are looking for a black male with a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He was last seen driving a silver/Grey Infinity.
At 1:27 p.m. another crime alert was sent of a robbery near the intersection of West Virginia Ave and Oates Street, NE. Police are looking two black males who are armed with handguns. The first suspect was wearing a brown t-shirt and black pants. The second suspect was wearing a white t-shirt and red pants. The suspects were last seem fleeing on a black scooter towards Mt. Olivet Street., NE.
A crime alert for another robbery was sent at 11:47 a.m. The incident occurred on the 1200 block F Street, NW. Police are looking for a place male 5’6″-5′;7″, 160-170 pounds,, wearing black skinny jeans, and a black t-shirt with graphic writing on it. The suspect was last seen going into the metro center train station
If anyone has information about these crimes, call 911.
A DC Superior Court judge ruled that the prosecution secured enough evidence against a burglary defendant to send him to trial.
Willie Ingram is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into the Yes Organic Market on the 4100 block of Georgia Avenue NW.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers received a call in response to a burglary on April 27. Upon arriving on the scene, officers saw broken glass from the window. MPD officers viewed the store surveillance footage and an employee of the business was able to identify the suspect.
According to court documents, the defendant was seen on video wearing a full yellow construction suit and a face mask. Ingram could be viewed in the video taking a 12 pack of Heineken Beer and six pack Pacifico Beer from the fridge then fleeing the scene.
In response, defense attorney Charles Murdter argued that it was not probable cause because when his client was arrested he did not have a construction suit or a mask.
The attorney requested his client be released pending future hearings.
But, the judge denied the request.
The defendant is scheduled to appear in court on Aug 4.
A DC Superior Court judge denied a release request from two co-defendants.
Ryan Harding and Antonni Flores, who is also known as Spongie and Antonni Gomaz, are charged with second-degree burglary. Flores is also charged with contempt and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Judge Brandt said the two were incapable of following simple instructions.
On April 8, Ryan Harding allegedly broke into the lobby of a building on the 1900 block of 3rd Street, NW, stealing a bicycle and vacuum cleaner. Antonni Flores helped him carry the items, according to court documents.
Flores’ attorney, Henry Escoto, said his client told him he was suffering from a lump in his chest. He asked Judge Rainey Brandt to release Flores so that he can seek medical attention, though Flores has not found a place to stay in the event of his release.
Harding’s defense attorney, Raymond Jones, asked the Judge Brandt to release his client as well, saying he has family members who will look after him. Jones said the community will be safe once Harding is put under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) and GPS monitoring.
The prosecution objected to both requests, citing the co-defendants’ history of prior charges, including burglaries.
Flores was also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and contempt for waving a knife outside a 7-11 store on the 3000 block of Mount Pleasant Street, NW. Judge Brandt ordered him to stay away from the location.
She continued holding Flores for a violation of the stay away order but issued a $25 bond for his assault and burglary cases.
The co-defendants’ next court hearing is scheduled for July 28.
On July 14, DC Superior Court Judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant.
The defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault and violating a Temporary Protective Order (TPO).
As part of a plea agreement with the prosecution, his charge of simple assault, which he received in a separate domestic violence case, was dropped. The prosecution also agreed to not file any other charges against the defendant for an incident that occurred on May 9.
Judge John McCabe sentenced the defendant to 120 days in jail. The incarceration time was suspended. The defendant was given one year of probation with credit for time served.
As conditions of his probation, the defendant must comply with a stay away order, participate in a domestic violence intervention program and receive drug, alcohol and mental health assessments.
The victim filed for a Civil Protective Order (CPO) against the defendant. She said she wants him ordered to stay away from her, her children and the places they may frequent, such as the defendant’s place of work or her children’s schools.
“It concerns me that he will not be able to be tracked, and I will be on the receiving end of his violence,” the victim wrote in a statement read by the prosecution.
A hearing is scheduled for July 15 to discuss the terms of the CPO.
Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller asked Judge McCabe to cut the defendant’s suspended sentence and probationary period in half, saying her client took very early responsibility for his actions and has successfully completed supervised release before. She also said the defendant understands the seriousness of his separation with the victim. The ex-couple have broken up and gotten back together multiple times in the past.
“I have been praying to God ever since the incident happened to forgive me,” the defendant said.
The defendant was charged with simple assault and violating a CPO for visiting the complainant’s place of work and throwing an unidentifiable liquid on her. The latter charge was later changed to violating a TPO.
