Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

On July 14, a DC Superior Court judge found a defendant competent to stand trial and scheduled a hearing to determine if his case has enough evidence to proceed to trial.

Tayshun Price, who is also known as Tay’shawn Price, is charged with assault with intent to commit armed robbery for allegedly trying to rob a store on the 600 block of Alabama Ave, SE on May 12. According to court documents, he allegedly assaulted a clerk in the process.

Price was found competent to stand trial after undergoing a competency evaluation in June with a Department of Mental Health psychologist.

Judge Ronna Beck scheduled Price’s next court hearing for July 28.

According to court documents, the victim said the suspect pointed a handgun at him and told him to open an ATM. When the clerk said he did not have the key, the suspect ordered him to turn around and told him to walk towards the entry to the cash registers. The victim said the suspect ordered him to open the door and pointed a gun at him, striking him in the head.

On May 23, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were flagged down for an armed robbery at an ice cream store on the 3000 block of Matin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE, where the suspect was locked inside. The officers identified the suspect as Tayshun Price and arrested him.

MPD officers matched the clothing Price was wearing as the same clothing worn by the suspect on video surveillance from the May 12 robbery.

Defendant Given More Time to Consider Plea Officer

On July 14, DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck continued a hearing to Aug. 20 in order to give the defendant more time to consider a plea deal.

The felony domestic violence defendant was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business on April 15.

This is the second time the defense asked for more time to consider the prosecution’s plea deal. The defense attorney first requested a continuance on June 15.

Judge Sends Defendant to St. Elizabeth’s

A DC Superior Court judge sent an assault defendant to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, on July 23.

Evan Graham is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly pulling a knife on two victims and chasing them with it near the intersection of 2nd Street and Channing Street, NE on March 16. Responding officers apprehended Graham after using the victim’s description to identify him walking near the location of the alleged attack, according to court documents.

Graham has been in DC Jail since March 17. Judge Danya Dayson denied his release on April 21.

Graham was interviewed by a doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on July 9. The DBH’s report suggested that Graham is not competent to stand trial and recommended he be sent to the institution to receive treatment for his delusions.

Graham has been admitted to the psychiatric hospital four different times from 2015 to 2018. He has also been admitted to psychiatric hospitals in Maryland.

After receiving no objection from parties, Judge Michael Ryan transferred Graham to St. Elizabeth’s once again in an attempt to restore the defendant’s competency.

Judge Ryan then asked that Graham “do his best” to continue to receive treatment and work towards becoming competent.

Graham is scheduled to receive a full competency evaluation while held at St. Elizabeth’s. He is slated to return to court on Aug. 21 to evaluate his progress.

Document: Police Arrest 56-Year-Old Suspect for Assault

On July 23, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a 56-year-old suspect in connection to an assault with a dangerous weapon offense.

At 2 p.m., Marshall was allegedly engaged in a verbal dispute with a victim when he threatened the victim with a gun on the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE. .

The victim managed to flee the scene.

Marshall is awaiting his initial hearing in DC Superior Court.

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Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Case

On July 22, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection to an assault with a dangerous weapon that occurred on July 6.

At 1:15 p.m. on the 1000 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW, the suspect allegedly threatened to stab the victims after a verbal altercation. Then, the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect was arrested on a warrant from DC Superior Court, and is now awaiting his initial hearing.

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Judge Releases Carrying and Possession Defendant, Says It’s His Last Chance

A DC Superior Court judge released a defendant into home confinement on July 23, saying it was his last chance to come into compliance with his release conditions.

James Quigley is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute after the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found him on the 4500 block of Quarles Street, NE with cocaine and a gun allegedly in his possession on June 21.

At the time of his arrest, Quigley was on pretrial release for an another firearms charge.

Quigley’s defense attorney, Corinne Schultz, argued that his client’s crimes are not crimes of violence. The attorney said his client could stay with a friend if released.

The prosecution opposed any changes in release conditions, citing Quigley’s recent history of noncompliance.

Judge Michael Ryan said that the fact that the crimes were non-violent, along with Quigley’s month-long hold in DC Jail, were significant to him.

Judge Ryan said the last set of release conditions he could impose was home confinement. He released Quigley and ordered him to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to receive a GPS monitoring device.

Quigley is only permitted to leave the home for verified medical appointments.

“This is your one last chance, and you should hear that language clearly,” Judge Ryan told Quigley.

Quigley is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 4 to evaluate his progress under home confinement.

Judge Transfers Defendant to St. Elizabeth’s to Receive Mental Health Screening

On July 22, DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson transferred a defendant to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, to receive a mental health screening.

The defendant was brought before the court regarding three cases, in which he is charged with destruction of property less than $1,000, fleeing leaving after colliding property damage/injury to an animal and assault with a dangerous weapon.

He was released on his promise to return to court on June 8. However, he is currently being held in DC Jail because he picked up a domestic violence case after being arrested on July 18 for simple assault, resisting arrest, assault on a police officer and threats to do bodily harm.

Defense attorney Stephen Brennwald was not able to get in contact with his client, but got to speak with his mother. The mother said she was concerned about her son’s mental health and wanted him to get a psychological screening.

Prior to June 6, the defendant did not have a criminal history.

The defendant allegedly attempted to gain entry into a bakery on the 500 block of 14th Street, NW on June 6. He attempted to strike the window with objects to destroy the glass pane.

The next day, the defendant allegedly strangled a cellmate with a shoelace and yelled, “Rape, rape, I’m going to rape you!” He was subsequently charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse and assault with a dangerous weapon.

He was arrested again on June 26 for colliding into the rear bumper of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) vehicle and attempting to flee on the 5900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for July 30.

Document: Police Arrest Man on Sex Trafficking Children Charge

On July 23, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 26-year-old Steven Vinci, of Bohemia, NY, for sex trafficking of children.

The offense occurred on July 23 at approximately 10:23 p.m. Vinci arranged a sexual act with a child in exchange for money in DC.

Upon arrival, detectives from the MPD’s Youth and Family Services Division – Internet Crimes Against Children Branch arrested Vinci without incident.

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Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

On July 22, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection to a stabbing that occurred earlier that day.

At 8:55 a.m., on the 900 block of 17th Street, NW. the suspect approached a victim inside of an establishment and proceeded to stab the individual. The suspect was then apprehended by responding officers.

The 50-year-old suspect, is awaiting his initial hearing at DC Superior Court.

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Judge Holds One Defendant During Initial Hearings

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun released all but one of the 19 defendants who had their initial hearings on July 22.

Three defendants were brought before the court on domestic violence charges. Two of them were released on their promise to return to court and ordered to stay away from the victims and locations of the alleged crimes. One of the released defendants was also placed on GPS monitoring.

The third domestic violence defendant was charged with simple assault and contempt of court for violating a release condition.

Judge Okun decided to hold the defendant, saying he cannot ensure the safety of the community and the victim with his release.

Four defendants were charged in fugitive cases. Three of the four fugitives have cases in Maryland, and the other fugitive has a case in Texas. Judge Okun decided to release all four defendants, ordering them to turn themselves in to their respective jurisdictions.

Two defendants appeared on bench warrants. One of the defendants is charged with second-degree theft, and the other is charged with second-degree burglary.

Judge Okun quashed the bench warrants and released the defendants on their promises to return to court. In the burglary case, Judge Okun ordered the defendant to stay away from the victim.

Two defendants appeared in court for assault charges. One of the defendants was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The other defendant was charged with simple assault.

Both defendants were released on their promises to return to court with stay away orders from the victims. The defendant charged with assault with a dangerous weapon case was also given a Temporary Protection Order (TPO).

Three defendants were brought before the court on a variety of possession charges. All three of the defendants were released into 21-day home confinement followed by placement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.) Additionally, one defendant was instructed not to drive without a valid permit or under the influence of alcohol or drugs because of a traffic case.

One defendant was charged with sexual abuse, and another defendant was charged with sexual solicitation. Both defendants were released on their promise to return to court,. The sexual abuse defendant was ordered to stay away from the victim.

One defendant was charged with simple assault and cruelty to animals. Judge Okun released the defendant on his promise to return to court and implemented a stay away order from the victim and the location of the alleged crime.

Another defendant was charged with tampering with a GPS monitoring device. Judge Okun said he was skeptical of the defendant’s explanation for the dysfunction of the device, but released him on his promise to return to court. Judge Okun said he did not order GPS monitoring again because the defendant already has a GPS tracking device in another case.

Another defendant was brought before the court on a charge of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. The prosecution requested that the defendant be held, but Judge Okun also released the defendant because of his clean criminal record.

Most of the defendants who were released, excluding the fugitives, are scheduled return to court on Oct. 21.

Judge Puts Homeless Defendant on GPS Monitoring

A DC Superior Court judge ordered GPS monitoring for a homeless defendant on probation on July 22.

Delonte Reed pleaded guilty to unlawful entry, contempt, assault on a police officer and bail violation on Dec. 7, 2015. He pleaded guilty to another bail violation on July 12, 2017.

Reed was sentenced to 100 days in jail, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation in 2019.

A Court Services Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) officer said there has been no contact with the defendant since February. He has been arrested four times since then, but no charges have been filed. Despite previously receiving treatment, one of the re-arrests involved drug activity.

Defense attorney Michael Madden said his client is currently at the Adam’s Place Shelter. Madden said all of the defendant’s charges relate to his homelessness and drug use.

Judge Danya Dayson told the defendant to contact the Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration (APRA) and follow their recommended program placement. She said the only alternative to this is jail time.

Reed’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4.

Judge Removes Defendant from HISP

On July 22, a DC Superior Court judge removed a defendant from the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

The defendant is charged with simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm, violation of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) and contempt.

He violated his release conditions every day since being released on June 3 by residing with his wife and children, from whom he was ordered to stay away.

On the victim’s request, Judge Maribeth Raffinan amended the stay away order to allow normal day-to-day contact between the two. However, if the defendant harasses, assaults, threatens or stalks (HATS) his wife, he may be charged with contempt of court.

The defendant still cannot reside at the location because there is a TPO. The TPO was set to expire on July 21, but Chief Judge Robert Morin extended it until his next court date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His GPS monitor will be removed.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Two Charges, Remaining Four Dropped

On July 22, a defendant pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license and attempted possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Anthony Barnes, 20, was arrested in July 2019 after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found him in possession of a firearm. Barnes did not own a license to carry a firearm, nor was he old enough be in possession of one. Barnes was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

As a part of his plea deal, Barnes pleaded guilty to two of the six charges. The remaining four charges were dropped.

While on pretrial release, Barnes was arrested on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW, a location that he was ordered to stay away from in another case. When he was stopped, officers found about eight grams of cocaine in his pocket and about $300 in cash, according to the prosecution’s proffer of facts.

Defense attorney Thomas Lester asked DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith to release his client after he pleaded guilty during the July 22 proceedings. Lester said detention during the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant stress on his client.

He also said that Barnes has begun working on his GED, and that, if released, he would have a stable home to stay in with his mother.

However, Judge Smith denied the request, saying that Barnes’ stress is a common one for inmates at the moment. She also pointed to the quick succession of three felony cases over the last year, two of which came while he was on release for the first.

Barnes will remain in DC Jail pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 8. During that time a doctor will evaluate him to see if he should be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act.

Judge Gives Homeless Defendant 2nd Chance to Get to Hearing

On July 22, DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a hearing to July 29 to give a defendant another chance to appear in court.

The defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault and assault on a police officer on Dec. 9. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation.

The defendant has not reported to the Court Services Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) since his last hearing on June 11.

The prosecution asked Judge Maribeth Raffinan to issue a bench warrant for his arrest, citing the defendant’s failure to appear to court and concerns of his safety in the neighborhood where the assault occurred.

Defense attorney David Akulian opposed the bench warrant request.

“This is really someone who needs to get mental health services and not someone who needs to be incarcerated,” he said.

Judge Raffinan reserved the right to issue a bench warrant if he does not appear to the next hearing.

Judge Cancels Defendant’s Bench Warrant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan canceled a bench warrant for a defendant who voluntarily returned to court on July 22.

The defendant is charged with simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm in a domestic violence case.

He was released on Feb. 11 on his promise to return to court. However, he did not appear for his Feb. 25 hearing, and a bench warrant was issued the next day.

The defendant was reminded that he must check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) as a condition of his release.

His next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3.

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