Judge Resumes Drug Testing for Murder Defendant

On July 21, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson ordered a murder defendant to resume his weekly drug testing as a condition of his pretrial release.

Tylek Dunkins is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Amoni Richardson, who was killed on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, SE, on Oct. 24, 2019.

Dunkins, 18, must now be tested for a number of substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana.

He tested positive for marijuana on four different occasions since Oct. 25 prior to the suspension of drug testing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has not been tested since March 9.

Defense attorney Joseph Wong said his client was confused by the positive results, which were a result of second-hand smoking.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer said information about the levels of marijuana present in the defendant is not available.

Dunkins also had issues with reporting to the PSA via phone. He failed to report on June 6, 13, and 20. However, he has resumed contact since them.

On Oct. 24, 2019, Dunkins allegedly drove his vehicle into a woman he did not see at a high rate of speed. After the collision, he did not stop due to fear and uncertainty about what to do. In an interview with a detective, the defendant said he smoked marijuana and was driving towards a school when the incident occurred, according to court documents.

Judge Holds Simple Assault Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge denied releasing a defendant from DC Jail on July 21.

The defendant was brought before the court in four domestic violence cases. He is charged with simple assault and contempt for violating the terms of his release.

The defendant allegedly violated pretrial release conditions by repeatedly harassing and assaulting a woman with whom he had children, despite receiving stay away and home confinement orders.

Defense attorney Everald Thompson said his client had been living harmoniously with the victim for seven years until his recent incidents.

He said the defendant became unstable because he “was in the middle of physical recuperation” after being shot in 2015 and having chronic pain ever since.

Thompson also said the defendant had a job at a retail store and his manager misses him.

When asked where the defendant would live should he be released, Thompson said he would be living with his cousin. However, it seems as though the cousin may have withdrawn the offer.

The prosecution objected to the defendant’s release, saying the victim was known to have called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on him multiple times, suggesting they were not on good terms.

The prosecutor also said the defendant told the victim he would not abide by any court orders.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan sided with the prosecution, saying that the defendant posed a danger to his victim and the community.

Taylor is scheduled for a status hearing on Sept. 25.

Judge Issues Bench Warrants for 2 Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge issued two bench warrants for defendants who failed to appear at their July 21 hearings.

Athena Powell-Bey is charged with simple assault for allegedly spitting on and hitting an employee on the 300 block of 7th Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2019.

Defense attorney Peter Odom said he has been unable to contact the homeless defendant by email or phone since March 6.

Odom opposed a bench warrant, saying he would not like to see his client, who has mental health issues, arrested.

Judge Danya Dayson understood Odom’s concern, but did not think there was any other way to get in contact with the defendant.

Anthony Wall pleaded guilty to second-degree theft for stealing food from a Whole Foods Market on the 600 block of H Street, NE on Oct. 26.

An officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) said the defendant failed to seek and accept psychiatric treatment, as required by his probation.

Wall has not contacted CSOSA since July 8, even though he is supposed to call twice a week.

Defense attorney Chantal Jean-Baptiste opposed the bench warrant since she was unable to contact her client to inform him of the hearing. She said she only had a few days to try and reach the defendant because it was an emergency hearing.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in One Case, Judge Revokes Probation in Two Others

A defendant pleaded guilty in one case and had his probation revoked in two others.

During the July 21 hearing, the defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault for hitting his mother in the chest.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan gave the defendant a suspended sentence of 150 days plus one year of probation.

As conditions of his probation, the defendant must take a mental health assessment, drug and alcohol testing and pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

As part of the plea deal, a simple assault case from January was dismissed.

The hearing also addressed noncompliance issues Hoffman had with his probation in two separate cases. In one case, he was convicted of simple assault. In the other, he is charged with simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000.

Both cases required Hoffman to serve one year of supervised probation.

Even though a probation officer said Hoffman has not been complying with the terms of his probation, the judge still terminated the probation in the two other cases during the hearing on July 21.

Hoffman is scheduled for a hearing on Sept. 2.

Judge Denies Releasing Defendant Despite Health Concerns

A DC Superior Court judge denied releasing a defendant who is concerned about his health in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dexter Brown was brought before the court in two cases on July 21. He is charged with conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree theft, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, carrying a pistol without license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and possessing a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

Judge Neal Kravitz ruled against the release, citing the strong evidence against Brown, the violent nature of the crime and the lack of current COVID-19 cases at the DC Jail.

Brown is accused of robbing an unlicensed marijuana dispensary on the 500 block of H Street, NE at gunpoint in February of 2019, zip-tying the employees in the process.

Defense attorney Sean Murphy unsuccessfully argued for his client’s release during the July 21 hearing, saying DC Jail provides an unsafe environment for Brown, who has a lengthy medical history and previously contracted the coronavirus.

Murphy also pointed out Brown’s successful completion of probation in the past, saying if his client was released, he would comply with any terms.

He has been detained at DC Jail since Oct. 5, 2019.

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

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Multiple Charges

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to one year on supervised probation.

Jamie Bryant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance during release, a bail violation, second-degree burglary and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.

“I sincerely apologize for having issues with pretrial services and the court order,” said Bryant. “Now that I have necessary mental health medication, I hope you understand that I have an appreciation for the time that I’ve served.”

Judge Ronna Beck suspended Bryant’s jail sentence for all charges and gave him credit for time served. She said Bryant has been a “plague to society” and must avoid any future arrests or he will be incarcerated for the time she suspended.

“I really do want you to succeed on probation,” said Judge Beck.

Bryant’s probation conditions include participating in a mental health screening, substance abuse assessment, an employment assistance program, a vocational assessment and housing assistance.

According to a court document, Bryant was arrested for distribution of crack cocaine during an undercover operation on Feb. 4 at the intersection of North Capitol Street and O Street, NW. The judge released Bryant on personal recognizance, ordering him to stay away from the location of the crime.

Bryant failed to appear for a hearing on March 11. A bench warrant was issued, and he was charged with a bail violation.

He was arrested on March 18 for unlawful entry of a motor vehicle when he was found searching through the trunk of another person’s car. The defendant was released on March 19 with conditions.

Less than two weeks later, Bryant was arrested for second-degree burglary for an incident that occurred at a construction site on the 1000 block of 21st Street, NW.

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann decided to hold Bryant at DC Jail.

Judge Reschedules Hearing for Domestic Violence Case

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge rescheduled hearing for a domestic violence case.

The defendant is charged with second-degree cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon. He has been held in DC Jail since April 30. This is the second time that Williams’s hearing has been rescheduled.

Defense attorney Steven Ogilvie requested that the hearing be rescheduled due to “difficulties to contact [the defendant] at the jail.”

The defendant said he was confused because he recently spoke with his attorney and signed several documents. Judge Ronna Beck permitted Williams and Ogilvie to have a private phone call during the hearing to discuss how to proceed.

The defendant returned to the hearing in agreement with his attorney.

Judge Beck rescheduled the hearing for July 30.

Defendant Enters Into Agreement with Prosecution

On July 21, a defendant entered into a deferred prosecution agreement.

Debra Lambert pleaded guilty to simple assault for striking a victim on Dec. 19, 2019, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

Lambert must complete 32 hours of community service within the four month-long deferment period. The agreement also states that she cannot receive any new charges.

Lambert is also ordered not to harass, assault, stalk or threaten (HATS) the victim.

Judge William Nooter explained to Lambert that, if she complies with the requirements during the deferment period, her guilty plea will be withdrawn and the prosecution will dismiss the case.

Lambert will return to court on Nov. 20 to discuss her compliance.

Judge Holds Defendant Charged With Unlawful Entry

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge denied a release request from a defendant charged with unlawful entry.

Alexander Day is charged with contempt in two separate cases for violating the conditions of his pretrial release.

Defense attorney Ravi Regunathan asked that his client be released, as he is able to seek mental health treatment with Community Connections, a nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health, residential services, and primary health care coordination for marginalized and disenfranchised DC residents.

Regunathan suggested that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) escort him to his parents’ home where he can get some money to arrive at a homeless shelter.

“The last time he got let out [of jail], he had no money, no ability to go anywhere, no way to charge his phone, ” said Regunathan. “So he let go of the last hearing, and ended up getting arrested.”

The prosecution objected, saying they confirmed there were no beds left at the shelter the defense mentioned, and it would take up to a month to secure another bed.

The prosecutor also said the current hearing was only to determine whether Day is competent to stand trial so that arguments regarding his release were not relevant.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan agreed, saying the defense ought to make their arguments during a detention hearing.

The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) determined that Day was competent to stand trial after conducting a forensic psychiatric evaluation on July 15.

Day is scheduled for a detention hearing on Aug. 6.

2020 DVM 000725

Defendant Takes Plea Deal

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 120 days with credit for time served plus one year of probation.

Brian Lomax pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, assault and unlawful entry onto private property. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, his bail violation and additional unlawful entry charges were dropped.

Lomax has around 65 more days of his sentence left at DC Jail.

Judge Steven Wellner sentenced Lomax to more time than what he has already served to provide additional time to determine where he will go when released. It is “appropriate due to the seriousness of the crime and to ensure a smooth transition,” the judge said.

As conditions of his probation, Lomax must comply with a stay away order, take any medications directed by a doctor and receive a mental health assessment and treatment as deemed necessary by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

The defendant’s probation may be changed from supervised to unsupervised in six months if he is found to be in compliance with the requirements.

According to court documents, Lomax was arrested on Dec. 23, 2019, for entering a store on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW from which he was barred. Lomax was also arrested on May 25 after entering the same store, picking up a metal sign and repeatedly hitting a victim with it. Lomax fled the store, but was quickly stopped by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers.

Crime Alerts: July 20-21

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts since 8 p.m. on June 20. All but one of the alerts were in reference to shootings.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:22 a.m. for a shooting at 14th Street and Taylor Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect available.

Another alert of a shooting was sent out a 2:38 a.m. The gunfire occurred on the 200 Block of Newcomb Street, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

About an hour before, at 1:46 a.m. there was an alert of another shooting on the 100 block of Uhland Terrace, NE. Police are looking for a dark colored vehicle that was last seen in front of the location.

At 1:02 a.m. an alert for a shooting was also sent out. The shooting occurred on the 5300 block of East Capitol Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect available.

The only alert that was not reference to a shooting was of a robber that was sent out at 8:48 p.m. on July 20. The robbery occurred on the 300 block of 40th Street NE. The police are looking for two black males. The first suspect has a light complexion, medium build and is wearing a white shirt. The second suspect has a dark complexion, medium build and is wearing jeans. The suspect is believed to be armed with a gun.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Assault with a Weapon

On July 20, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to a press release, the 27-year-old suspect allegedly fired at a victim during a a verbal altercation on the 4300 block of Massachusetts Avenue, SE.

The victim was not injured and the incident, which took place on July 15, was domestic in nature.

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Defendant Enters Into Deferred Prosecution Agreement

A defendant charged with unlawful entry entered into a deferred prosecution agreement.

On Jan. 25, Sean Brislin entered an apartment on the 200 block of K Street, NE uninvited. The resident of the apartment contacted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after she discovered Brislin sleeping in her bed.

As part of the agreement, Brislin must stay away from the apartment and its resident, perform 32 hours of community service and partake in an alcohol treatment program.

However, the victim voiced her dissatisfaction with the agreement during the July 20 hearing. She said she was traumatized by the crime and the terms of the agreement did not sufficiently punish the defendant.

“I now feel like a stranger in my own dwelling,” she said.

Defense attorney Christopher Mutimer disagreed, saying the agreement was appropriate because Brislin has no criminal history. He also said that Brislin’s entry into the apartment could not have been intentional, as he was intoxicated at the time.

While acknowledging the resident’s concerns, Judge William Nooter ultimately proceeded with the agreement.

“The terms, especially the stay away order, will be strictly enforced by the court,” he said.

Brislin is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 20 for a status hearing.

Judge Issues A Bench Warrant for Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a defendant’s arrest, saying there does not appear to be any other way to find him.

Morgan Holmes is charged with simple assault, unlawful entry onto private property and contempt.

The July 20 hearing was scheduled to address the defendant’s issues with complying with his release conditions. He was released on March 6, but received a notice of noncompliance on March 10 and July 2.

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

Police Investigate Homicide on Stanton Road, SE

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred on July 19.

Around 11:30 p.m., police found 37-year-old Rayfone Gassaway unconscious and suffering from gunshot wounds on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE. Emergency Medical Services determined that the victim showed no signs of life.

The MPD is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-797-9099. Anonymous information may also be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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