Domestic Violence Defendant Enters Into Agreement with Prosecution

A domestic violence defendant entered into a Deferred Sentencing Agreement (DSA) with the prosecution.

Sawan West was charged with two counts of destruction of property less than $1,000. West, 19, agreed to plead guilty to two of the charges in exchange for the prosecution dropping one of them.

As part of the agreement, West to pay $500 in restitution and not to harass the victim. He must also take anger management classes and have mental health evaluations, provided by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

As part of the DSA, if West completes his requirements by the end of the deferment period, his guilty plea will be withdrawn and his case dismissed.

Judge John McCabe scheduled West’s sentencing for June 14, 2021.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Six Months of Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to six months of probation for a drug charge.

William Washington was originally charged with unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and later, possession of drug paraphernalia. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, the 39 year-old defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of possession with a controlled substance on March 10.

Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Washington to two months, all of which were suspended, plus six months of probation. The only condition of his probation is to continue treatment for drug abuse.

On Sept. 14, Washington’s defense council, Frederick Iverson, said the defendant should be sentenced to 30 days time suspended and six months on probation because the defendant had no intent to distribute and is now seeking help for drug abuse.

The prosecution said the defendant should be sentenced to 90 days plus six months of probation due to his previous drug-related offenses.

On Dec. 2, William Washington was arrested after acting unruly and appearing under the influence on the 99th block of M Street, SE. Washington was transferred to the Howard University Hospital and subsequently identified.

He must also pay $50 to the Crime Victims Compensation fund.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant to Probation

On Sept. 14, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant to 12 months of probation.

Ashleigh McDonald pleaded guilty to simple assault. As part of the plea deal with the prosecution, her Court Protective Order (CPO) violation charge was dropped.

Judge John McCabe sentenced McDonald to 30 days, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation.

McDonald, 19, was sentenced under the guidelines of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

The requirements of McDonald’s probation include anger management classes and drug testing. She must also stay away from the victim.

Judge McCabe waived the community service requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because she was sentenced under the YRA, her case will effectively be sealed once she completes her requirements.

McDonald must also pay $50 to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.

Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

A DC Superior Court judge found a defendant competent to stand trial.

Donta Wilson, 39, is charged with unlawful possession of liquid PCP, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to deliver and sell, destruction of property less than $1,000, simple assault and second-degree burglary.

During the Sept. 14 hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt found the defendant competent to stand trial. Wilson’s defense attorney, Frederick Iverson, requested additional time to determine if his client would like to go to trial or have his case resolved through a plea.

On Oct. 12, 2019, Wilson allegedly broke into a church on the 2400 block of Ainger Place, SE. He was identified on Nov. 6, 2019. At that time, he was being held at the DC Jail on unrelated charges. He is currently still being held.

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Judge Sentences Defendant Under Youth Act

On Sept. 14, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license.

Stephan Harper was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in September of 2019. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, Harper pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Harper to 18 months in prison, all of which were suspended, plus two years of probation for carrying a pistol without a license. He was also sentenced to two years in prison, all of which were suspended, plus two years of probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The probations will run concurrently.

Harper, 20, was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which will effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements.

The terms of Harper’s probation include GPS monitoring, obtaining and maintaining employment and registering as a gun offender. He must also complete 90 hours of community service.

According to court documents, Harper got into a fight inside of a 7-Eleven store on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. During the altercation, Harper fired two shots, one of which hit a bystander in the foot and the other hit a car with a two-year-old child in the back seat. The child was not injured.

Judge Dayson said, the offense is extremely troubling and could have been much worse. However, the judge accepted the crime as an impulsive decision and noted that Harper was only 19 at the time. Based on this and Harper’s training as an electrician, Judge Dayson suspended the entirety of his sentence.

Harper must also pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

Document: Police Seek Burglary Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with a first-degree burglary that happened on Sept. 12.

At around 10:00 a.m., the suspect entered a residence on the 1800 block of Ontario Place, NE. The suspect then took property and fled the scene.

The suspect can be seen in surveillance footage.

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Document: MPD Arrests Suspect for Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for a robbery of an establishment that happened on Sept. 11.

A suspect entered an establishment on the 1300 block 2nd Street, NE at around 8:30 a.m. The suspect began taking merchandise. An employee confronted the suspect. The suspect then threatened the employee with pepper spray before fleeing the scene with the merchandise.

Responding officers apprehended the suspect, a 27 year-old resident of Northeast, DC.

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Crime Alerts: September 13-14

Between 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 9 a.m. on Sept. 14, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 2:42 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police are looking for three Black males.

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

Preliminary Hearing Set for Fatal Stabbing

On Sept. 14, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Jaamil Hipps, 43, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Sa’id Grey, who was stabbed to death on Aug. 12.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the preliminary hearing for Oct. 21.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 1300 Block of Missouri Avenue, NW for the report of a stabbing, according to court documents. Grey, 40, was found in the hallway of an apartment complex suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A witness told the MPD that Grey and the defendant had both been inside of the witness’ apartment shortly before the incident took place, according to court documents. After checking surveillance footage of the area, the MPD identified the defendant and interviewed witnesses that lived in the area. Witnesses also identified the defendant as the individual in the surveillance footage.

Police discovered that Hipps and Grey had “beef,” and that Hipps had been arrested in 2012 for two offenses involving a knife. Hipps was arrested on Aug. 19.

Judge Holds 7 Out of 28 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Sept. 12, DC Superior Courts Judge Sean Staples held seven defendants in DC jail and released 21 defendants.

Three defendants were held on felony charges.

Stephon Darnell Williams, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed. He allegedly shot his father, Stephen Magruder, in the chest on Sept. 11 on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers interviewed three witnesses that led them to place Williams as the prime suspect.

Williams was arrested at approximately 11:00 p.m. the same day. Officers located him sleeping in a parking garage on the 1400 block of 8th Street, NW. Judge Staples found probable cause and held Williams due to the seriousness of the alleged crime.

Williams is scheduled for another hearing on Sept. 28.

Khiri Thomas, 22, was held on the charges of carrying a pistol without a license and possession of an unregistered firearm. Judge Staples held him due to his concerning criminal history.

Thomas, 22, is scheduled for another hearing on Oct. 2.

Marcell Young, 22, was held on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. MPD officers allegedly recovered a Glock 39 from him on Sept. 11 and arrested him thereafter.

He is scheduled for another hearing on Oct. 2.

Ronald Boykins, 27, was held for allegedly assaulting a victim and a MPD sergeant. Judge Staples found Boykins a danger to the public due to his history of fleeing.

A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Jamaul Crockett, 36, was held on charges of assault, bail violation, and three outstanding bench warrants. Crockett was held due to the volume of his charges and criminal history.

His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Judge Staples held Otis Green, 40, on a misdemeanor assault charge. His next hering is scheduled for Sept. 29.

One defendant was held in a domestic violence case.

Six other domestic violence defendants were released by Judge Staples. Five of those defendants were released with stay away orders from the alleged victims. One defendant was released under the requirement to report to the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) once a week.

Two fugitives from justice were released on the condition that they turn themselves into the appropriate jurisdiction. One defendant must return to Maryland and the other to Virginia.

Four defendants charged with unlawful possession of firearms or carrying pistols without licenses were released.

Nine other defendants were released on charges varying from second degree theft to misdemeanor sex abuse.

Document: Suspect Sought for Assault on Police Officer

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with an assault on a police officer that took place on Aug. 30.

At around 1:07 a.m., a suspect assaulted an on-duty MPD officer on the 800 block of 16^th Street, NW.

A suspect was captured in surveillance footage.

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Judge Holds 9 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Sept. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples released 39 defendants and held nine defendants in DC Jail during their initial hearings.

Eric Beasley is being held on first-degree murder charges. According to court documents, Beasley, 29, and the victim, 45-year-old David Farewell, were witnessed arguing outside of a gas station, believed to be located on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SW.

The victim left the gas station on his bicycle, and Beasley was seen following in his car. The two travelled for a short period of time before Beasley’s vehicle allegedly accelerated and swerved in the direction of Farewell, striking him near the 2100 block of Young Street, SE.

A witness at the scene said Beasley attempt to remove the victim’s body from under his car before fleeing the scene. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where the victim was later pronounced dead.

“To suggest that the driver intended to cause harm to the biker is speculation,” Beasley’s defense attorney, Jeffrey Stein, said, claiming court documents failed to establish intent to harm, or kill Farewell. The defense requested that the judge release Beasley so he could return home where he co-parents four children.

At the time of the alleged offense, Beasley was on probation for a previous assault case but was compliant on all release conditions. Judge Staples referred to the fact that the defendant’s previous charges were violent crimes, and he could not ensure the community would be safe with the defendant’s release. Judge Staples decided to hold the defendant and scheduled a hearing for Oct. 1.

One defendant is being held on a contempt charge for violating a stay away order and violating a Temporary Protective Order (TPO). The prosecution requested she be held due to having two pending charges, both involving the same complainant.

The defendant was released on Aug. 14, after being charged with simple assault, and ordered to stay away from the victim. She violated this stay away order and was arrested again on Sept. 8. She is being held in DC Jail, and Judge Staples scheduled her next hearing for Sept. 29.

Jamaal Muhammad is charged with two cases of being a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted in Maryland for a parole violation and a probation violation. The defendant waived his right to an extradition hearing on the fugitive cases and will be held in DC Jail for three business days, where he will wait to be picked up by Maryland authorities.

Judge Staples is holding Ophelia Delonta, 60, for armed robbery. On Sept. 10, police officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a robbery on the 400 block of L Street, NW. The victim of the crime showed MPD slash marks on her back and stated that her purse was taken.

During the hearing, the defense claimed there were identification issues with the court documents, however the prosecution stated the assault and robbery were caught on camera.

Judge Staples stated that, due to the nature of the case and since the victim received stab wounds on the lower back, he will hold Delonta in DC Jail. pending her next hearing.

Mecca Lee Bey is being held for failure to appear in court on Aug. 26. The defendant was arrested on March 5 after an undercover buy and bust operation was conducted. Lee Bey is also charged with being a fugitive from justice, where he has outstanding warrants for assault in Maryland and larceny in Virginia.

Lee Bey was advised by his defense team to waive his right to extradition hearings, so he is being held on all three cases.

John Honesty was brought before Judge Staples on two fugitive matters and a parole violation. Judge Staples decided to release him from the fugitive charges but hold him in DC Jail on account of his parole violation.

Marcus Boomer, 38, was stopped on Sept. 10 near the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE by MPD officers, after they noticed Boomer’s front bumper of his vehicle scraping the ground. Officers ran the vehicle’s tags and discovered they did not match the vehicle’s description.

When approaching the vehicle, officers noticed shell casings on the floorboards and an open container of alcohol. Officers also discovered a firearm in between the driver’s seat and the center console. Boomer was held on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction due to the dangerousness of the alleged offense.

Stacy Brown, charged with failing to register as a sex offender, was held. Judge Staples released him in his new case but held him on a parole matter. Once released, Brown is ordered to register as a sex offender wtihin 24-hours.

Finally, Judge Staples held Efemena Mokedi, who is charged with second-degree theft and simple assault. Judge Staples decided to hold Mokedi, citing the violence toward the victim and he has four pending cases in DC and is out of compliance with pretrial release conditions in all of them.

Of those released, one defendant did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution, one defendant’s case was dismissed and one defendant was served a Civil Protection Order (CPO) and released.

Five additional defendants charged in domestic violence cases were released with stay-away orders.

Ten defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice from either Maryland or Virginia, were released with orders to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions within 24-hours.

Ten defendants were charged with possession of controlled substances, which included marijuana, cocaine, hashish, fentanyl, suboxone, oxycodone and PCP, were also released.

Six defendants, charged with felonies, were released with various release conditions, including GPS monitoring, curfew, orders not to possess firearms or ammunition and stay-away orders.

Four additional defendants charged with misdemeanors, including simple assault, second-degree theft, assault on a police officer and possession of a prohibited weapon, were released. Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders and the other defendant was turned over to the Department of Behavioral Health for emergency mental health services.

One final defendant, brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing in his domestic violence case, was released with a new court date of Feb. 11, 2021.

Document: Police Search for Suspect Connected to Defacing MPD Property

The Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance to identify a suspect who is connected to defacing a MPD vehicle.

According to a press release, the suspect allegedly spray painted a police vehicle on the 2000 block of 17th Street, NW.

The department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information should call the police at 2020-727-9099 or text the department’s Text Tip Line –50411.

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Document: Police Arrest 3 Suspects in Knife Assaults

From Sept. 10-11, the Metropolitan Police Department arrested three suspects in connection to assaults with knives.

The most recent incident occurred just before midnight on Sept. 10, involving a 51-year-old man allegedly brandished a knife in an attempt to assault a victim after a verbal dispute on the 1100 block of U Street, NW.

The suspect was apprehended immediately after the incident, and there were no injuries reported.

The police department reports that the incident may have been motivated by hate or bias. The case is still under investigation.

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A 60-year-old suspect was also arrested on Sept. 10 for an assault and armed robbery that occurred on the 400 block of L Street, NW.

Early that day, at 8:30 p.m., the suspect allegedly approached a victim, brandished a knife and stabbed the victim. The suspect took property from the victim and fled the scene.

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During the afternoon of Sept. 10, police arrested a 36-year-old man for allegedly approaching a victim inside of an establishment on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE, brandishing a knife and attempting to stab the victim.

The suspect was apprehended by responding officers. No injuries were reported.

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Judge Issues Two Bench Warrants During Pretrial, Probation Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge issued two bench warrants and continued cases during pretrial and probation hearings on Sept. 11.

Judge Michael O’Keefe issued bench warrants for Herman Johnson and Jerry Hellams’ arrest after they failed to appear in court.

Johnson, 41, is charged with distribution of heroin.

According to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA,) Johnson has been a loss of contact and has tampered with his GPS. Johnson’s attorney, Steven Polin, has also been unable to contact him.

“I believe he is homeless,” said Johnson. “I have no means to contact him.”

Hellems, 64, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance for allegedly distributing PCP on April 7 on the 100 Block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

According to the PSA representative, he has only reported to them twice since his release, despite being ordered to do so weekly.

Hellems’ attorney, Jason Kalafat, has been unable to reach him through his cell phone number.

Judge O’Keefe continued an assault defendant’s probation show cause hearing.

Glendon Kelly is serving 12 months of probation for simple assault.

Kelly, 22, was re-arrested twice and, according to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA,) has failed to comply with his conditions.

Kelly’s attorney, Lucas Dansie, said Kelly has recently become compliant with his medical treatment. Judge O’Keefe said he will continue the hearing to give Kelly more time to fully comply with his conditions.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Kelly’s next show cause hearing for Dec. 2.

Judge O’Keefe continued a probation show cause hearing for a defendant charged in two cases.

Rondez Tibbs is serving five years of probation for robbery and carrying a pistol without a license in one case, and unlawful possession of a firearm in another. The two cases date back to 2014 and 2015.

According to CSOSA, Tibbs, 25, while on probation, has been arrested three times. He’s been convicted in one of those cases. The conviction was for driving without a license in Virginia. One of the other arrests was for allegedly fleeing during a high-speed chase in California.

Tibbs did not get permission to leave DC during his time in California.

Tibbs’ attorney, Roderick Thompson, asked for the case to be continued.

“Mr. Tibbs is here today, when he did come back (from California), he did initiate contact with CSOSA,” said Thompson. “Mr. Tibbs understands the gravity of what’s going on. If we’re talking about whether or not this young man is a danger, they are just traffic matters.”

Judge O’Keefe is giving Tibbs 30 days to comply, otherwise, his probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) could be revoked.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Tibbs’ next show cause hearing for Oct. 20.

Judge O’Keefe also continued a defendant’s probation hearing.

DeAngelo Washington is serving probation for threatening to kidnap and injure.

According to his probation officer, Washington has an outstanding warrant for GPS tampering.

Judge O’Keefe said Washington was given 60 days to become compliant at his last show cause hearing.

“The frustrating thing is it’s tough to fault Mr. Washington because he was willing to work with probation,” said the prosecution. “But he didn’t turn himself in and we’re in the exact same place we were 60 days ago.”

Washington was ordered by Judge O’Keefe to clear up his bench warrant violation. Washington will have a last chance to become compliant.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Washington’s next show cause hearing for Oct. 30.

Judge O’Keefe continued another pretrial show cause hearing for a defendant charged in four cases.

Edward Cowser is charged with second-degree theft, shoplifting, attempted possession of a prohibited knife, simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Cowser, 41, was not present at his hearing. Defense attorney, Jamison Koehler said his client is currently in the hospital after being a victim of a robbery.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Cowser’s show cause hearing for Sept. 25.

Judge O’Keefe continued a weapon possession defendant’s probation.

Andrew Coward is serving a two year probation for carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of unlawful ammunition.

According to his probation officer, Coward, 26, was initially not reporting for his mental health treatment. He also failed drug tests and the officer recommended that he get substance abuse treatment.

Coward’s attorney, Quiana Harris, said Coward will receive drug treatment through his new mental health provider.

The prosecution requested the case to continue for 60 days to see if Coward gets back on track.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Coward’s next show cause hearing for Nov. 12.

Judge O’Keefe discharged the show cause hearing for an assault defendant.

Ladonna Jones is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for an incident on June 22.

According to the PSA, Jones has been compliant with her release conditions. Jones’ attorney, Amy Phillips, asked Judge O’Keefe to take her off home confinement and impose a curfew instead.

The prosecution opposed this because Jones has had difficulties staying out of trouble when not on home confinement.

Judge O’Keefe decided to leave Jones on home confinement and discharge the pretrial show cause hearing.

Judge O’Keefe continued a burglary defendants’ show cause hearing.

Kareem Watkins is charged with first-degree burglary.

Watkins, 43, was not present for his hearing. Defense attorney Prescott Loveland said Watkins did not receive notice of the hearing and is in recovery from major surgery.

Although Watkins has been a loss of contact since July, according to the PSA representative, Judge O’Keefe continued the hearing.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Watkins’ next show cause hearing for Sept. 22.