Judge Doesn’t Change Defendant’s Release Conditions

On July 15, DC Superior Court Judge John McCabe ordered a domestic violence defendant to come into compliance with his pretrial release conditions, but did not change any of them.

The defendant is charged with simple assault and violating a Civil Protective Order (CPO).

He allegedly violated his release conditions by entering the home of a person from whom he had a stay away order due to assault charges.

GPS tracking reports show him approaching the house 27 times during his pretrial release. Some violations lasted minutes, while others lasted hours.

The prosecution said the victim is scared of the defendant and did not invite him to come over. The victim does not think GPS tracking is enough to keep him from her.

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

Five Defendants Held During Initial Hearings

On July 15, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held five of 24 defendants during their initial hearings.

Of the 24 defendants scheduled to appear in court, the prosecution dismissed the charges for four individuals.

During the proceedings, Judge Herrmann held Medahne Tedese who was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. The judge said her decision was based on two other unlawful possession cases that Tedese is involved in. Charges were filed in one of those cases on July 6.

Rondell Reed, who was charged with GPS tampering, was released by Judge Herrmann. However, he was held on other matters.

Judge Herrmann also issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who failed to appear for his hearing. The defendant was charged in March with unlawful possession of liquid PCP, an hallucinatory drug; public intoxication and no permit.

Two defendants also had their initial hearings rescheduled, both domestic violence cases. One, who is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, simple assault and two counts of attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, is in the hospital, and is scheduled to appear in court on July 16.

The other defendant was scheduled to appear in court for two different cases, both with one charge of simple assault, was accidentally released for one charge before the prosecution decided to move forward with the other. The initial hearing was rescheduled for Oct. 14.

In addition to those two defendants, Judge Herrmann heard three other domestic violence cases, releasing all of them. Charges in those cases include simple assault, attempted second-degree cruelty to children and destruction of property less than $1,000. Only one defendant was issued a stay-away order.

Judge Herrmann released a defendant charged with assaulting a police officer. As part of the conditions of his release, the defendant must report to pretrial services once a week by phone. The defendant, who was also charged with carrying a pistol without a license in April, must continue to abide by the conditions of release in that case, as well.

Five defendants were charged as fugitives from justice, and three were held. The two who were released are both fugitives from Maryland. Both have to report to Maryland authorities or risk being arrested again.

The three fugitive defendants who were held, Antonio Atwater, Reginald Williams and Robert Webb, will wait three business days for authorities from their respective states to retrieve them. Two defendants face underlying charges in Maryland, one for homicide another for aggravated assault. The third faces an underlying parole violation from Pennsylvania.

One man who was charged in 2016 with the unlawful possession of liquid PCP had a bench warrant quashed after his appearance in court. The defendant violated his probation in June of 2019, and after failing to appear in court after the violation, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The defendant must now appear on Oct. 14 for his next court date or another warrant will be filed.

Another defendant who was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance was released with no conditions.

A defendant charged with kidnapping was released with stay-away orders from the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW and the alleged victim. The prosecution requested that the defendant be held due to the details of the case and the victim’s “extreme fear” of the defendant. But, Judge Herrmann determined that a stay-away order would be sufficient in ensuring the victim’s safety.

Three additional defendants were brought before Judge Herrmann. They faced charges that include distribution of a controlled substance, attempted threats to do bodily harm and carrying a pistol without a license, respectively. All three were released.

Crime Alerts: July 15

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out one crime alert during the day on July 15.

At 8:58 p.m. the police sent an alert for a shooting on the 2300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Police are looking for a black Sedan that was last seen headed Northbound of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Anyone with information of this crime should call 911.

Hearing Rescheduled for Hospitalized Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a hearing for the July 22 because the defendant is currently hospitalized.

Buda Mulla is charged with kidnapping for allegedly grabbing a three-year-old child on the 200 block of 15th Street, NW on July 8 and running away with the child before being tackled by the parents.

After the virtual hearing was moved to a different courtroom, due to technical difficulties on July 15, defense attorney Bernadette Armand said Mulla is currently in the hospital, but will be out soon. It is unclear why the defendant is in the hospital.

Once the defendant leaves the hospital, he is required to contact the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) to discuss his pretrial release.

Document: Police Arrests Suspect for Sex Trafficking of Children

Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a man as he entered the District of Columbia in pursuits to solicit sex from an underage individual.

According to a press release, the 24-year-old suspect was arrest on July 14.

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Judge Denies Release, Schedules Next Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge denied the release of a defendant facing a gun possession charge. Instead, the judge scheduled a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence in the case to go to trial.

Shawn Tobart’s defense attorney Daniel Kovlar argued that Tobart should be released as he has a home to stay in, resources available, and a job that he could work at.

Judge Anita Josey-Herring said July 15 that she would not release Tobart as she “doesn’t have any level of confidence that he will follow the conditions of release” based on prior criminal history and history of noncompliance.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 22.

Metropolitan Police Officers found Tobart in possession of a gun and arrested him on May 12 at 3500 block of 6th Street, SE. The officers saw the firearm in plain view at Tobart’s residence, court documents state.

Judge Denies Release, Citing Concerns of Compliance

A DC Superior Court judge denied the release of a defendant facing a charge of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The defense argued that Marcus Thomas is not a flight risk and if released promised to comply with all terms of release.

Judge Anita Josey-Herring decided July 15 not to release Thomas. She said she had concerns about him complying with the terms of release. The defendant has a history of not appearing for court or contacting probation officers.

According to court documents, Thomas was pulled over for a traffic stop on Nov. 13, 2019, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw that the vehicle was unregistered and asked if they could search the vehicle.

Thomas declined, but a k9 unit positively identified there was a substance. When officers searched the vehicle, they found substances that looked and smelled like PCP as well as methamphetamine (meth).

The substances tested positive for PCP and meth.

Another hearing for this case is set for Aug. 25.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charge

A defendant pleaded guilty to attempted possession of unregistered firearms as part of a deferred sentencing agreement on July 15.

Charle Foster agreed to complete 48 hours of community service in either the District of Columbia or Virginia.

Judge John Campbell explained that the prosecution would dismiss all charges against her if she completes the requirements of the agreement within the next six months.

The judge said Foster would have to register as a gun offender and update her address with the police if she doesn’t successfully fulfill the terms of the agreement.

“If you do come back for sentencing, it means you’re not upholding your part of the deal,” said Judge Campbell.

Foster was arrested on May 6 after police found an unregistered Taurus TH40 handgun in her book bag while she was walking past the 1400 block of 9th Street, NW.

She was initially charged with carrying a pistol without a license, but the charge was dismissed after she accepted the plea deal.

Foster is scheduled for a deferred sentencing review on Jan. 14, 2021.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release

A DC Superior Court judge denied an assault defendant’s release request on July 15.

Joenathan Nelson is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly pointing a gun at someone on April 24 on the 5000 block of Georgia Ave, NW.

This was the second hearing regarding Nelson’s release. The previous hearing, scheduled on July 9, was continued for the defense to gather more details regarding resources available to Nelson if he were to be released.

Defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins said that his client would have access to the highest level of outpatient mental health support, including a dedicated psychiatrist and crisis services that are available 24/7, if he were to be released.

The prosecution opposed Nelson’s release, citing his lengthy criminal history, which includes violent crime and previous issues complying with the terms of his pretrial release.

The prosecutor also said Nelson has had various opportunities for treatment over the past decade that he has not utilized.

Judge Anita Josey-Herring agreed with the prosecution, saying she thinks the defendant is a danger to the community and does not have confidence he would utilize outpatient treatment.

Nelson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 24.

Judge Issues Warrant After Defendant Fails to Appear

On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a defendant who failed to appear for his hearing.

Brandon Devaughn is charged with robbery and burglary for an incident on Feb. 22, 2019, on the 3900 block of Benning Road, NE. He allegedly robbed a store at this location with two other individuals. Devaughn has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On July 15, Davaughn was supposed to be present for a hearing addressing multiple notices of non-compliance with HISP from June 19 and July 10.

The defendant has already had multiple bench warrants filed for his arrest after failing to appear in September 2019 and January 2020.

On Jan. 8, the defendant was released to a High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Devaughn is scheduled for a hearing on Oct. 8.

Defendant Sentenced to Time Served

On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to time served after he reached a plea agreement with the prosecution.

Donnell Wilkinson pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and attempted threats to do bodily harm. As part of the plea deal, his other charges of contempt, unlawful entry and a bail violation were dropped.

Judge Ronna Beck sentenced the defendant to time served at the request of the defense and the prosecution. Both parties cited Wilkinson’s previous inability to comply with probation conditions in the past.

The defense also mentioned Wilkinson’s blood disorder that puts him at higher risk for COVID-19.

Wilkinson said he knows he needs mental health services. Judge Beck suggested that he connect with the Public Defender Service.

“I hope you can get some help and we won’t see you back again,” Judge Beck said.

Wilkinson was arrested on April 28 for stealing items from an establishment on New Jersey Avenue, SE, threatening to kill an employee for getting in his way and fleeing the scene, documents state.

Judge Continues Hearing at Defense’s Request

On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge agreed to continue a defendant’s hearing to Aug. 18 so that the defense attorney could have more time to review the prosecution’s plea offer with his client.

William Cox is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition in a 2018 case. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in March.

The prosecution has offered Cox a plea deal to resolve his outstanding cases. Defense attorney Albert Amissah said his client is very interested in the deal, but would like to review the case’s evidence before he accepts it.

Judge Ronna Beck granted the defense’s request with no objection from the prosecution.

On March 26, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were attempting to bust a narcotic operation, according to court documents. When they knocked on the door of Cox’s apartment, one of his children answered and the officers could clearly see a firearm in close proximity to the child. They then obtained a search warrant and recovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and multiple unregistered firearms.

Cox was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) while awaiting trial in his 2018 case but was held in DC Jail for his more recent charge.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Homicide on Birney Place, SE

After about two and half weeks, officers were able to arrest a suspect in connection to a homicide on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.

According to a press release, 19-year-old Diamante Butler, a resident of Southeast, DC, was apprehended for allegedly shooting 20-year-old Antwon Duncan on June 28.

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Crime Alerts: July 14-15

Between 9 p.m. on July 14 and 9 a.m. on July 15, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 6:56 a.m. for an armed robbery on the 2200 block of Cathedral Avenue, NW. Police are looking for five Black males between the ages of 18 and 20. They were last seen driving a black Cadillac bearing DC tags BY3456 towards Rock Creek Parkway.

Another alert for an armed robbery was sent at 6:41 a.m. on the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Police are looking for six Black males between 18 and 20 years of age, driving a black sedan Cadillac.

A crime alert for an armed carjacking was sent at 5:01 a.m. on the 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE. Police are looking for a 2017 silver Ford Fusion bearing DC tags GF7176. The car is believed to be occupied by four Black males wearing dark clothing. One of the men is wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and is believed to be armed with a knife.

An alert for a shooting was sent at 1:33 a.m. on the 600 block of O Street, NW. Police are looking for an unspecified vehicle in relation to the shooting.

The final alert was sent at 10:54 p.m. for a robbery on the 2700 block of 10th Street, NE. Police are looking for four Black males wearing masks driving a black four door bearing DC tags FZ3552.

If anyone knows anything about these events, please call 911.

Judge Schedules Another Hearing for Carjacking Case

On July 13, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a carjacking and robbery case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Co-defendants Keon Smith, 20, and Ja’cori Williams, 16, are charged with unarmed carjacking and armed robbery for allegedly demanding a victim’s rental car at gunpoint on May 9 on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE.

Williams is being tried as an adult.

Judge Ronna Beck scheduled the hearing for July 22.

According to court documents, around 2:46 p.m., one of the suspects displayed a handgun and demanded the keys to a black Chevy Malibu the victim was renting. The victim complied and the suspects fled the scene in the vehicle.

A short time later, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located the stolen vehicle and apprehended the defendants. Officers found a handgun in the car.

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