320 Defendants, 27% Held During Initial Hearings in 1st Half of September

DC Superior Court judges presided over 320 defendants’ cases during initial hearings from Sept. 1- Sept. 15.

Of the cases, judges released 235 defendants and held 85 defendants in DC Jail.

Nearly 18 percent of the cases were for defendants who were seen for release violations. According to D.C. Witness data, 36 defendants were brought in on charges for violating pretrial release conditions. Additionally, 16 defendants were brought in on charges for violating probation conditions, and seven defendants were brought in on charges for parole violations.

Twenty-three defendants were brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at prior hearings, and there were 51 defendants who had cases involving firearms, 16 percent.

Judges held defendants on various charges ranging from felony crimes such as murder to other crimes, including destruction of property and parole violations.

Three DC Superior Court judges presided over the hearings, including Judge James Crowell, Judge Sean Staples and Judge Heide Herrmann.

Judge Staples presided over the most cases. He heard 171 cases and released 131 defendants and held 40 defendants.

Judge Crowell presided over 88 defendants, holding 31 defendants and releasing 57.

Judge Herrmann presided over the least amount of cases, hearing 61. She released 47 defendants and held 14 in the jail.

There were a total of 74 domestic violence cases, comprising 23.1 percent of all cases. The judges held 15 of the defendants and released 59.

Of the domestic violence defendants held, their charges consisted simple assault, violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO), violation of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO), destruction of property less than $1,000, possession and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, contempt, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, threats to do bodily harm, attempted second-degree cruelty to children and armed kidnapping.

Fifty domestic violence defendants were given stay-away orders and six were given no harassing, assaulting, stalking or threatening (HATS) orders toward the alleged victims in their respective cases.

Eight domestic violence defendants, five who were held and three who were released, were brought in on charges for violating a condition of their release.

Additionally, there were 103 misdemeanor cases, 89 felony cases and 10 traffic offenses.

Krystin Roehl wrote this report. Andrea Keckley contributed.

Document: 1 injured, 1 killed in Northwest, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened in the Takoma neighborhood of DC.

At around 11:41 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 7000 block of Blair Road, NW. There, they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was conscious and breathing. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

While canvassing the area, officers found Phillip Roache on the 7000 block of 5^th Street, NW. Roache, a 38 year-old resident of Waldorf, Md., unconscious and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Sentence Delivered in Felony Possession Case

DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker sentenced a defendant to probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA).

John Stewart, 22, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled substance and carrying a pistol without a licence outside a home or business.

On Aug. 23, 2019, on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, NE, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Stewart for carrying a 9mm pistol with an extended magazine and for possessing 4.3 grams of crack cocaine.

Judge Becker sentenced Stewart for carrying a pistol without a licence to one year in prison, all of which are suspended, plus 18 months of probation. For unlawful possession of a controlled substance, Stewart received 60 days in prison, which was suspended, and 18 months of probation. The sentences are slated to run consecutively.

During the sentencing hearing on Sept. 18, defense attorney Sabitiyu Abou argued that the defendant’s noncompliance with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I don’t think Mr. Stewart’s indiscretions can be attributed exclusively to the pandemic,” said Judge Becker.

While released, Stewart was arrested two more times. He is charged with contempt for carrying a pistol without a licence and for violating his stay away order.

Stewart also lost contact with PSA and did not charge his GPS tracking device. He posted photos and videos of himself on Instagram holding firearms after being ordered not to possess any.

“Give Mr. Stewart the chance to prove himself,” said Abou.

Defense council requested that Judge Becker give her client a suspended sentence under the YRA so that this case will be effectively sealed once he completes his sentencing requirements.

Judge Becker said the only reason she is not giving Stewart jail time is because he is currently held in DC Jail for his other two cases. By giving him a fully suspended sentence he will not be able to accredit his time in DC Jail to this sentence.

As part of the plea deal with the prosecution, the charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute was dropped down to just possession.

Conditions of the defendant’s probation include registering under the Gun Offender Registry, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, submitting to drug testing, enrolling in substance abuse treatment, GPS tracking and grief counseling if deemed necessary.

Judge Becker continued the stay away orders from this case and from his pending charges.

Stewart is required to pay a total of $150 to the Victims of Violent Crime compensation fund.

Document: Police Arrest Suspects for Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested two suspects for an assaulting a Department of Transportation employee.

On Sept. 17, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man for assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault and destruction of property. The other 25-year-old suspect was arrested for simple assault.

According to a press release, the suspects and the victim got into a traffic dispute on the 2700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. One suspect, armed with a baseball bat, allegedly struck the victim and the victim’s work vehicle. The other suspect allegedly assaulted the employee.

Both suspects were apprehended by responding officers.

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Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for a burglary that occurred on the 700 block of 8th Street, SW on Aug. 25.

At approximately 4:45 in the morning, the suspect gained entry to an establishment and took property before fleeing the scene.

On Sept. 17, MPD officers arrested a 37-year-old male from Northwest, DC and charged him with second-degree burglary.

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Document: Police Search for Suspects Connected to Homicide on Irving Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is search for suspects involved in a fatal shooting on Sept. 9.

According to a press release, officers found 31 year-old Jonathan Raiford, a resident of Northeast DC suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 900 block of Irving Street, NE. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Another victim, who was also suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, was located on the 800 block of Michigan Avenue, NE. The victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The suspects and a vehicle of interest was captured in the video below:

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Document: Police Seek Suspect In Assault Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in connection to an assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse case that occurred on the 800 block of Quincy Street, NW on Sept. 6.

At approximately 1:55 p.m., the suspect assaulted the victim with intent to commit a sexual offense before fleeing the scene.

The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 28-35 years of age, 6’1″-6’2″ in height. He can be seen in the video below.

https://youtu.be/eZT-haU9cJI

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Document: Police Search for Suspects In Northwest Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect thought to be involved in a robbery (snatch) offense that occurred on the 800 block of T Street, NW on Sept. 12.

At approximately 2:10 a.m., the suspects approached the victim, and one of them snatched property from the victim before fleeing the scene.

The suspects can be seen in the video below.

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Document: Police Search for Suspect In Armed Robbery Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect believed to be involved in an armed robbery offense that occurred on the 4500 block of East Capitol Street, NE on Sept. 15.

At around 4:38 p.m., the suspects entered an establishment and approached the victims, one of the suspects brandishing a handgun. The suspect demanded the victim’s property and fled the scene after retrieving the property.

One of the suspects was captured by a nearby camera and can be seen below.

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Document: Two Juvenile Suspects Arrested

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested two suspects in connection with assault and carjacking offenses.

Both suspects are 15 year-old residents of Northeast, DC. One was arrested for armed carjacking, unarmed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon. The other was arrested for armed carjacking.

The cases remain under investigation.

On July 20 at around 8:56 p.m., two suspects approached the victim on the 900 block of 8^th Street, NE. They demanded the victim’s vehicle keys and, after a brief struggle, fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.

On Aug. 4 at around 5:46 p.m., suspects approached the victims in a vehicle on the 100 block of Uhland Terrace, NE. One suspect discharged their firearms in the victim’s direction and fled.

On Aug. 30 at around 6:56 a.m., suspects approached the victim on the 900 block of 7^th Street, NE. A suspect took out a firearm and demanded the victim’s vehicle. The victim complied and the suspects fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.

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Crime Alerts: September 17-18

Between 8 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 8 a.m. on Sept. 18, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out four crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:49 a.m. for a stabbing at the intersection of 16th Street, SE and Good Hope Road, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

An alert was sent at 4:56 a.m. for a robbery with a gun on the 1800 block of 18th Street, NW. A possible suspect was stopped.

An alert was sent at 12:58 a.m. for a shooting investigation on the 7000 block of Blair Road, NE.

An alert was sent at 11:25 for a robbery (force and violence) investigation on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect has dreadlocks, dark jeans and dark shoes. The second suspect is wearing a black jacket and white AirForce 1 shoes riding a scooter in an unknown direction.

Judge Reinstates Probation for Firearms Conviction

A DC Superior Court judge re-instated a defendant’s probation and scheduled an in-person sentencing hearing for Oct. 1.

In September 2017, Georgio Hyles was sentenced to 24 months, all of which were suspended, plus 24 months of probation for unlawful possession of ammunition. He was sentenced to 12 months, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation for possession of an unregistered firearm. The sentences ran consecutively and were passed under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

Judge Hiram E. Puig-Lugo decided to revoke Hyles’ probation due to non-compliance on Feb. 6. During the Sept. 17 hearing, he re-instated the probation. This time, the defendant must comply with a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) intervention plan.

Judge Puig-Lugo ordered Hyles to appear in-person in two weeks for a sentencing hearing. Hyles will remain released in the meantime.

Hyles picked up the case in 2016 after being caught carrying a pistol outside an establishment without a license. He was sentenced to 24 months of probation in 2017 under the conditions that he regularly check-in with the Pretrial Services Agency and remain within the DC city limits.

The prosecution was concerned with an alleged probation violation which claimed Hyles was in possession of a firearm.

Defense attorney Frances M D’Antuono said her client has not violated his probation by being in possession of a firearm. However, she conceded that he was occasionally non-compliant with other conditions of his probation because of extenuating circumstances.

A CSOSA representative said Hyles has committed several probation violations which include failing to report to supervision, failing to comply with mental health, GPS and curfew violations, and possession of a firearm in 2019.

“We don’t find Mr. Hyles takes probation seriously,” a CSOSA representative said.

D’Antuono said the reason Hyles picked up the case in the first place was because he believed people were trying to take his life.

On June 19, Hyles was shot and required three surgeries to heal his shatter leg and injuries to his knee.

The following month, allegedly, the same people who shot him in June tried to kill him at his home. Hyles broke probation and fled to Maryland. D’Antuono said he did this because he feared for his life.

CSOSA said that, even after the shootings, it was difficult to contact Hyles to verify both his safety and location.

Hyles refused victim services.

Judge Puig-Lugo found many of Hyles’ probation violations, including his alleged possession of a firearm, occurred prior to both shootings.

“Nothing has changed…I have been hearing the same story for three years,” said Judge Puig-Lugo.

While Judge Puig-Lugo said he believes that Hyles being a victim of two shooting is tragic, it does not excuse probation violations.

Judge Issues 3 Bench Warrants in Felony and Misdemeanor Cases

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith presided over six pre-trial and probation hearings on Sept. 17.

Kenneth Stevenson, 27, did not show up for his pretrial show cause hearing. Stevenson is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, oxycodone.

Stevenson was not compliant with his pretrial release conditions and has had no contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) since his re-arrest in June.

The prosecution requested that a bench warrant be issued for Stevenson’s arrest. Judge Smith granted the request.

Giselle Hartzog, 31, also failed to appear in court. Hartzog is charged with robbery. The defendant has not charged her GPS tracker since April and has been labeled a loss of contact by the PSA.

Hartzog’s attorney, Peter Cooper, said he did not know his client’s whereabouts. The prosecution requested a bench warrant.

Judge Smith issued a warrant, making this the defendant’s third bench warrant issued in this case.

A sex abuse defendant also did not show up to court.

The defendant is charged with misdemeanor sex abuse, third-degree sex abuse and assault with the intent to commit third-degree sex abuse.

The defendant has been deemed a loss of contact since he never showed up to get his GPS tracking device last week and has not contacted the PSA.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley said he has not been in contact with his client. Judge Smith issued a bench warrant.

Vincent Gibson appeared before the court for a probation show cause hearing.

Gibson, 38, pleaded guilty to simple assault in 2019 and is currently on probation.

The hearing was called to discuss Gibson’s build up of supervision fees, which totalled to $450. Gibson has followed all other probation conditions and is compliant with probation officers, according to his attorney, Theresa Jenkins.

Judge Smith inquired about possibly reducing his probation to unsupervised to lessen the cost on Gibson, but it was unclear if that would actually reduce costs. The next hearing is set for Dec. 8.

Mikias Geberezgiabhier, 22, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and second-degree theft.

The defendant’s attorney, Frederick Iverson, reported that his client has been compliant with pretrial release conditions.

Both the prosecution and the agency were encouraged by the defendant’s compliance, so Judge Smith scheduled another hearing on Dec. 14 to lessen pretrial measures if compliance continues.

Nickquan Boddie, 20, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

A CSOSA representative told the judge that Boddie was meeting his pretrial conditions. Defense attorney Damon Catacalos asked the judge to discharge the hearing.

Judge Smith ordered the pretrial show cause hearing to be dismissed and set the next hearing for April 1.

Judge Schedules Hearing to Determine if Prosecution Has Enough Evidence to Bring A Murder Case to Trial

On Sept. 17, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a second-degree murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Jonathan Jenkins, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Richard Mitchell on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE, on May 31. Mitchell, a 25 year-old resident of Oxon Hill, Md., suffered from four gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The police arrested Jenkins on June 25.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey asked for the preliminary hearing to be scheduled in two weeks to give the defense time to prepare.

According to court documents, a witnesses say that there was a fight between the men at a cookout the night before the shooting. One witness also indicated that the men were arguing over marijuana before the shooting.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the hearing for Oct. 14.

Judge Schedules Hearing to Consider A Domestic Violence Defendant’s Release

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to consider releasing a domestic violence defendant.

The defendant is charged with felony assault with intent to kill while armed. He is accused of trying to kill a victim with a motor vehicle.

The defendant was charged on May 27, and has been held at DC Jail since then.

Defense attorney Donald Dworsky filed a motion for his client’s release on Sept. 8. During the Sept. 17 hearing, Judge Robert Okun scheduled a bond review hearing to discuss the motion for Oct. 19.

Dworsky previously requested the defendant’s release during a July 2 hearing. The request was denied.