Judge Reschedules 3 Probation Show Cause Hearings

Three hearings that were supposed to happen on July 20 were rescheduled until Oct. 5.

Victor Guzman, Visious Dixon and Melvin Bray were scheduled for probation show cause hearings.

According to DC Courts, Guzman pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2019, to driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug and operating a vehicle while impaired. He was sentenced to one year of probation.

As conditions of his probation, Guzman was ordered to complete a traffic alcohol program and traffic safety program. He also must attend a victim impact panel.

After a report of a violation, Guzman’s probation was revoked on Feb. 3, 2020. He was sentenced to 75 days, 69 of which were suspended, and placed on six months of probation.

Dixon pleaded guilty to attempted operating of a vehicle after revocation of his license. He was put on probation for six months. While on probation, he was ordered to complete 90 hours of community service.

He received a probation violation report on June 4, 2020.

Bray pleaded guilty to leaving after colliding with personal injury. He was sentenced to 90 days, 66 of which were suspended. The remaining 24 days were to be served on weekends.

As conditions of his probation, Bray was ordered to complete drug testing and a traffic safety program. He is also required to attend a victim impact panel.

Bray received a probation violation report on Feb. 12, 2020.

Judge Waits to Rule on Assault Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell told parties he would decide on a defendant’s release by the end of the week, saying he needs more time before he can confidently make a ruling.

Buiam Yeshigeta is charged with simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and second-degree theft. He is charged in two misdemeanor cases from this year.

Yeshigeta has been held in DC Jail since March 10. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Yeshigeta’s hearings have been rescheduled multiple times.

Defense attorney Jamison Koehler requested that his client be released and connected with outpatient mental health services. Koehler cited many factual issues with the case, saying that a victim in one of the cases was intoxicated. Koehler also said an altercation, in another case, was perpetrated by both the victim and the defendant.

The lawyer also said Yeshigeta does not have another hearing for his cases until Oct. 9, emphasizing that the defendant would be held for eight months on unproven misdemeanor allegations.

Koehler the jail has not provided the defendant with the medications needed for his schizophrenia diagnosis.

Yeshigeta’s mother and sister, who he has a supportive relationship with, said they would be willing to take him to psychiatric appointments.

However, the prosecution said Yeshigeta should be held, citing the violent nature of the charges and the injuries one of the victims obtained.

The prosecution also pointed out that Yeshigeta was on probation for attempted possession of a prohibited weapon at the time of the incident.

Judge Crowell said Yeshigeta has troubling allegations against him, but the case will likely not be tried in the near future due to COVID-19.

Judge Crowell proposed the idea of eventually releasing Yeshigeta under home confinement as part of the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). He would only be able to leave his residence for psychiatric appointments.

However, Judge Crowell said he didn’t feel like he could make a decision during the hearing. He told both parties that he would make a decision by the end of this week.

Defense Asks for Time to Discuss Plea Offer

On July 20, a defense attorney asked a DC Superior Court judge to schedule another status hearing so she can receive a plea offer from the prosecution and discuss it with her client.

Demetrius Golden is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting a victim on March 26 on the 3200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck granted the defense’s request and scheduled another hearing for Aug. 25.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers identified Golden as the suspect from video surveillance that captured the license plate of a car the suspect was driving, according to court documents.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Suspected Homeless Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who may be homeless.

Dion Ingram is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly entering a shop on the 1200 block of Good Hope Road, SE with the intent to steal property in the early morning hours of April 14.

The July 20 hearing was held to address Ingram’s issues with complying with his release conditions.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) says he has been a loss of contact, is not complying with the terms of his pretrial release and has not verified his address.

The defendant was released on April 14. He received a notice of non compliance on June 22.

Ingram’s defense attorney said she thinks her client may be homeless, and that the number she has used to try and contact him has not been working.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release

A DC Superior Court judge denied a defendant’s request to be released from DC Jail.

Richard Little is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

Judge Ronna Beck agreed with the prosecution’s opposition to Little’s release, finding him too dangerous for release.

Little was arrested on April 20 after allegedly fleeing from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, according to court documents. Once the officers detained him on the 3300 block of Alden Place, NE, they found Little’s jacket wrapped around a pistol and ammunition in his bag.

Little’s next court appearance his scheduled for Sept. 8.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for burglary.

The incident occurred on July 19 on the 1400 block of 1st Street, SW.

According to court documents, the 35-year-old suspect entered someone’s home, stole property and then fled the scene.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6998574-7-20-20-Arrest-Made-in-a-Burglary-One-Offense.html” responsive=true]

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Sexual Solicitation

On July 20, a defendant pleaded guilty to sexual solicitation.

Russell Williams is charged with sexual solicitation, fleeing from a law enforcement officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, destruction of property, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside of the home and business, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, resisting arrest, reckless driving and not having a valid permit.

As part of his plea deal with the prosecution, all charges besides sexual solicitation were dropped. The agreement also stated that the prosecution would recommend a sentence that is on the shorter side of the guidelines for the charge.

Williams has been held in DC Jail Since Feb. 28 without bail. Judge Judith Smith scheduled his sentencing for Oct. 8.

Williams was arrested in the 1700 block of Minnesota Ave, SE after soliciting an undercover Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer posing as a prostitute, according to court documents. Officers then implemented a traffic stop for Williams’ vehicle. He attempted to flee the police, narrowly missed hitting one of the officers. During his arrest, police found a handgun and cocaine under the defendant’ seat.

Document: Traffic Fatality in Capitol View Neighborhood

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on July 18 on the unit block of 51 Street, SE.

According to a press release, the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. when a motorcycle driver appeared to lose control of his bike which resulted in a crash.

The driver has been identified as Darnell Lee Estep of Temple Hills, Md.

MPD is asking for anyone who has knowledge of the incident to alert the police.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6998568-7-19-20-Traffic-Fatality-Unit-Block-of-51st.html” responsive=true]

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection to a burglary that occurred on July 19.

The 32-year-old suspect allegedly entered a residence on the 3600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. He tried to take property around 4:02 p.m.

The suspect was arrested by responding officers.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6998566-7-20-20-Arrest-Made-in-a-Burglary-Two-Offense.html” responsive=true]

Document: Police Arrest Two Robbery Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made arrests for two robberies.

On July 11, a suspect was arrested for a robbery that occurred that morning on the 3100 block of 14th Street, NW, which is located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC. The suspect forcibly took money from a victim and was apprehended by responding officers.

On July 13, police arrested a suspect for robbery. A day before, the suspect allegedly entered a business establishment and demanded cash. The incident occurred on the 300 block of Hawaii Avenue, NE, which is located in the University Heights neighborhood of DC.

Judge Releases Defendant to Outpatient Services

A DC Superior Court judge found a defendant incompetent to stand trial, releasing him to receive outpatient mental health services.

David Dowdell, 64, was charged with simple assault on April 6, but was released with a citation. He was also charged with threats to do bodily harm and assault on a police officer on July 10, at which time he was held in DC Jail.

After the defendant received a forensic psychology examination, DC Jail recommended that Dowdell be transferred to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, for competency restoration efforts.

The prosecution and the defense objected to the jail’s request, but agreed with the finding that the defendant was not competent.

Counsel said they believe outpatient mental health services would be the best option. Defense attorney Gregg Baron also pointed out that his client’s age made him more vulnerable to COVID-19, in which the spread of the virus at the DC Jail has concerned many.

A representative from DC Jail said the defendant has refused to take his medication. But, Dowdell said he only refused his medication because it had given his mother gallbladder disease.

After Dowdell told Judge Jonathan Pittman he would comply with release conditions, Judge Pittman decided to release him on his promise to return to court for his next hearing. Dowdell’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16.

Judge Pittman also ordered Dowdell to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week, and admonished him to connect with outpatient mental health services.

Judge Pittman said he released Dowdell because his cases are not likely to go to trial soon due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Probation

A defendant pleaded guilty to attempt to carry a pistol without a license outside a home or business and was sentenced to probation.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested Michael Huskins on March 12 after finding a gun in his possession on the 200 block of Newcomb Street, SE.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Huskins on July 20 to 90 days in jail, which was suspended. She also gave him nine months of unsupervised probation and ordered him to pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Act fund.

“I am responsible for my actions,” Huskins told Judge Dayson. He said he is getting help with his alcohol issues, which he called a “common denominator” of many of the challenges he faces in his life.

Crime Alerts: July 20

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts since midnight.

The most recent alert was sent at 6 a.m. for a shooting on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s) available at this time.

At 4:36 a.m. an alert for a robbery on the 2700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE was sent. Police are looking for a black female who is in her 20s, 5’7″ with medium complexion, short hair, black shorts, and a red shirt, She was last seen headed eastbound on Pennsylvania Ave., SE.

An alert for a robbery by force was sent at 2:35 a.m. The incident occurred at the intersection of 11th Street and O Street, NW. Police are looking for four males wearing black shirts with blue jeans.

At 2 a.m. an alert of another robbery was sent out. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of 31st Street, NW. Police are looking for 8-10 young males in an older model white sedan and a new model black SUV.

At 12:19 a.m., an alert of a shooting on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE was sent out. Police to not have a description of the suspect(s) at this time.

Anyone with information on these crimes should call 911. Please do not take any other action.

Document: Homicide on 14th Street, NW

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for the perpetrator of a July 19 homicide.

At around 4:53 p.m., MPD officers responded to a reported shooting on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW, which is located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC. Upon arrival, officers discovered eight adult males and one female suffering from gunshot wounds.

Emergency personnel transported all of the victims to a local hospital for treatment. After all life-saving efforts failed, Devin Peterson, a 28-year-old resident of Northeast DC, was pronounced dead.

The MPD is offering a reward of $25,000 to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.

D.C. Witness data shows there have been 108 homicides in 2020 thus far, including two vehicular homicides. D.C. Witness collects homicide data on all homicides in the District including vehicular homicides and police-involved shootings. The MPD has recorded 106 homicides to date.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6998446-7-20-20-Homicide-3600-Block-of-14th-Street.html” responsive=true]

Judge Allows Defendant Awaiting Sentencing to Remain Released

On July 16, a DC Superior Court judge allowed a defendant who is awaiting sentencing to remain released.

Rodney Hart Jr. pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary in February for trying to remove a flat screen television from a building on the 2100 block of L Street, NW on Nov. 7. 2019.

The prosecution said Hart should be held in jail until he receives his sentence since he has had issues complying with release conditions, including violating a stay away order.

Defense attorney Todd Baldwin reiterated the argument he made in a hearing on July 14 that his client’s stay away order, which covers the entire District of Columbia, was too broad. He also said Hart is seeking mental health treatment.

However, the prosecution said Hart had no reason to be in the District of Columbia because he has not been working at his electrician apprenticeship in Navy Yard since March 20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The prosecution also said that Hart’s grandfather said he does not want the defendant exposing himself to people who could potentially carry the virus.

Judge Gerald Fisher decided not to change his earlier ruling.

Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 3.

Search