Bench Warrant Issued for Defendant’s Arrest After Failure to Appear

A DC Superior Court judge issued a warrant for the arrest of a defendant who did not show up to her hearing.

Charlie Tilgman, 31, was scheduled to come before the court on July 29 to address three cases she has picked up from October of 2019 to May.

Tilgman is charged with misdemeanor simple assault, possession of cocaine and possession of a prohibited weapon. Her assault and weapons charges stem from a single incident in May, in which she allegedly attacked a man with a brick before kicking and spitting in the eye of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers upon her arrest.

Thomas Key, Tilgman’s attorney, told Judge John Campbell that his client is homeless and that he has not been able to contact her.

The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) filed notices of noncompliance on both June 12 and July 10. Tilgman’s July 29 hearing had been scheduled to address the noncompliance notices for all three cases.

Judge Releases Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge released a domestic violence defendant awaiting trial.

The defendant is charged with threats to do bodily harm.

He failed to appear for an April 30 hearing, and therefore received a bench warrant for his arrest.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said the defendant did not violate the terms of his pretrial release other than an attempt to remove his GPS tracking device.

Judge John McCabe allowed the defendant to remain on pretrial release, but reminded him that he has to wear the device even though he “may not enjoy it.”

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15.

Judge Holds Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge found probable cause for a defendant charged with first-degree murder.

On April 29, Ch’Juan Robinson, 23, allegedly shot Louis Kingsbury, 34, on the 200 block of New York Avenue, NW.

During the July 29 hearing, a detective showed still images captured from surveillance footage that showed a person, who the detective identified as Robinson, fleeing the scene.

Defense attorney Dana Page said the detective did not convincingly identify the defendant.

“It’s unclear how he links the person in the stills to the one photoed sitting in the car,” said Page, referring to an image captured after Robinson was arrested by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that actually showed his face.

She also said that none of the four witnesses interviewed by the MPD actually saw the shooting. Page said the witnesses could not have known whether the person they saw fleeing actually produced the gunshots they heard.

The prosecution objected to the defense asking the detective about the origins of stitches found on the victim, which he acquired in a physical altercation with another individual a few weeks ago.

But, Judge Julia McKenna allowed the questions, saying it may suggest the murder was perpetrated by someone other than Robinson.

The detective said the victim was cooperating with law enforcement to identify a street gang known as the “O Street Crew” in exchange for lessening his sentence for a drug-related offense. He said the defendant was affiliated with the gang and likely wanted to punish the victim.

“They are known to kill anyone who has snitched on them,” said the detective.

Judge McKenna said there was “overwhelming evidence” that a murder was committed.

She denied a request for Robinson’s release, citing his history of gun-related offenses and the fact that he picked up his current case while on supervised release for a 2019 conviction of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Robinson’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23.

Judge Decides Against Bench Warrant for Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge did not issue a bench warrant for a defendant who failed to appear for his July 29 hearing.

The domestic violence defendant is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm.

He was summoned to court to address his issues complying with the terms of his pretrial release.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said the defendant’s GPS monitoring device expired between June 9 to July 14, July 18 to July 24, and July 27 to July 28 and that he failed to charge it.

The prosecution asked for a bench warrant, saying he may pose a threat to the victim.

Defense attorney Sharon Weathers said her client did not violate any other release conditions, including his stay away order during the periods when the PSA lost track of him.

Judge John McCabe scheduled another hearing for Aug. 19.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant For Defendant’s Arrest

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a domestic violence defendant who did not show up to his July 29 hearing.

The defendant is charged with simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

He was summoned to court to address his lack of compliance with his pretrial release conditions.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said the defendant has not been in contact with them since May 19.

Defense attorney Sean Murphy asked Judge John McCabe to continue his client’s case, saying he did check in with the PSA between March and May in a separate assault case.

However, Judge McCabe said the defendant must be brought back to court, given the seriousness of his current charges.

The defendant’s next court date is scheduled for Oct. 30.

Defendant Opts-Out of Remote Sentencing, Decides to Wait

A defendant decided not to proceed with his July 29 sentencing because it was being held remotely. Instead, he chose to wait aso he can appear in court in-person.

Shaheed Rasheed, 43, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. He was initially charged with the crime after hitting his roommate in the head with a wooden mallet last December.

By choosing to wait until he can appear in-person, Rasheed could be waiting for an indefinite amount of time. The parties scheduled the in-person hearing for Sept. 23, but Rasheed’s attorney, Joseph Molina, made it clear that it could take longer.

“Mr. Rasheed has a right,” DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell said. “If he ‘likes to look people in the eye,’ then he has a right to do that.”

Also during the July 29 proceeding, a representative with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) told the judge that Rasheed has been noncompliant with his release conditions.

Rasheed is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), but he is residing in Delaware and not in DC, which is in breach of the conditions.

Rasheed was released into HISP on April 29 after the halfway house he had been residing in was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a part of a stay-away order that prevented him from returning to the residence he shared with the victim in his offense, Rasheed had to find alternative housing.

Rasheed said the address he had planned to stay at had turned him away, and he ended up homeless for some time. He said he went to Delaware to stay with family rather than remain homeless.

DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell removed Rasheed from the HISP program and released him with the promise to return to court for his sentencing.

Judge Terminates Noncompliant Defendant’s Probation

On July 29, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee terminated a defendant’s probation after a Court Services Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) representative said he was not being compliant.

A probation violation was filed against Ronnie Marshall on Feb. 12.

On March 30, 2018, he was sentenced to 20 months of incarceration, 19 of which were suspended, plus three years of supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The defendant was ordered to participate in drug testing, grief counseling, anger management classes, community service and the Vocational Opportunities for Training, Education, and Employment (VOTEE) program as part of the conditions of his probation.

Marshall was also ordered to maintain or seek employment and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 9 Months of Probation for Unauthorized Use of Vehicle

On July 29, a defendant pleaded guilty to attempted unauthorized use of a vehicle and was sentenced by a DC Superior Court judge.

Alexi Aguirre, 24, was initially charged with receiving stolen property worth $1,000 or more, no permit and unauthorized use of a vehicle after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers stopped him while he was driving a car at the intersection of Chesapeake Street and Overlook Avenue, SW. After scanning the car’s license place, officers discovered that it was reported stolen in Fairfax, Va.

As a part of Aguirre’s plea deal, his charges of receiving stolen property worth $1,000 or more and no permit were dropped, while his unauthorized use of a vehicle charge was lowered from a felony to a misdemeanor of attempted unauthorized use of a vehicle.

At the recommendation of both the prosecutor and Joseph Molina, Aguirre’s attorney, Judge John Campbell sentenced the defendant to 90 days in jail. The incarceration time was suspended, but Aguirre was required to serve nine months on probation.

There was also a consensus among the parties regarding the importance of drug and alcohol treatment for Aguirre, who had been found to be under the influence of multiple substances on the day of his arrest.

Aguirre previously participated in a drug treatment program at a facility in Florida while on pretrial release this year. He contracted the coronavirus during the program, but has since recovered.

Conditions of Aguirre’s probation include drug and alcohol treatment. He will have to complete any treatment deemed appropriate by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

Judge Dismisses Seven Cases During Extradition Hearings

On July 29, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell heard 13 extradition hearings, where all defendants were charged with being fugitives from justice from various jurisdictions.

Of the 13 cases, Judge Crowell dismissed seven per the prosecution’s request.

One of the defendants, Kevin Kyle, was held by Judge Crowell in order for Virginia authorities to pick him up.

According to Kyle’s defense attorney, he tried to turn himself over to Virginia in April but they told him they were not accepting walk-ins due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The attorney requested Judge Crowell reschedule the hearing in order for Kyle to turn himself in again, citing that Virginia is now in Phase 3 of their re-opening.

Judge Crowell held the defendant, however, citing his very limited options under the law. Virginia will have until Aug. 3 to pick Kyle up from DC Jail or another extradition hearing will be held in DC.

The prosecution requested 30-day extensions on four cases as they were still waiting on paperwork from the demanding jurisdictions. Judge Crowell granted the extensions.

One defendant failed to appear for his extradition hearing as well as failed to turn himself in to the demanding jurisdiction. Judge Crowell issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Judge Schedules Hearing for Four Homicide Defendants

On July 29, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing for four co-defendants charged with murder.

Reginald Steele, Aaron Brown, Tyiion Freeman and Koran Jackson allegedly murdered 13-year-old Malachi Lukes by shooting him in the neck on March 1 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. A bench warrant was issued for the defendant’s arrests on May 27, and the defendants were charged with first-degree murder on May 30.

According to court documents, the defendants were involved in a gang in the District of Columbia. The co-defendants were getting revenge for the murder of a fellow gang member that occurred in the same area.

On July 29, the co-defendant’s attorneys appeared before the court to discuss next steps in the case. All of the parties agreed on scheduling a preliminary hearing at a later date to determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial. Defense counsel said they still needed time to review the evidence with their clients.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place from Sept. 8 to Sept. 9 due to the amount defendants and evidence in the case.

All four co-defendants are being held at the DC Jail.

Judge Continues Hearing for Stabbing at DC Jail

On July 27, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna continued a hearing for a man charged with attacking another inmate at the DC Jail.

Rakeem Willis is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for allegedly assaulting another inmate at the DC Jail with an unknown sharp object on July 3.

A corrections officer escorted the victim, who was handcuffed, from the shower to his cell. According to court documents, Willis, who was cleaning the housing unit, rushed past the officer and entered the cell.

The officer said he saw Willis, 29, punching the suspect but did not see a weapon in his hand.

The victim told another corrections officer that he was injured. The victim was taken to the jail infirmary for initial treatment. He had stab wounds to the forehead, left arm, back and right shoulder. The victim was taken to Howard University Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries, documents state.

The victim declined to provide a statement about the incident to detectives.

No weapon was recovered.

The hearing was rescheduled to Aug. 10.

Willis is also charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Judge Continues Hearing for Robbery Defendant

On July 28, a DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing to give the defense more time to consider a plea agreement.

Kenneth Phillips, 20, is charged with robbery. According to court documents, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer saw him and another person rifling through the pockets of a victim on March 26 on the unit block of Hanover Place, NW. The defendant allegedly knocked the victim unconscious.

Phillips has been held at DC Jail since his initial hearing on March 28.

The prosecution offered Phillips a plea agreement. Defense attorney Heather Pickney said she wanted to go over the plea agreement and more of the prosecution’s evidence with Phillips before they could accept it.

Judge Danya Dayson agreed to continue the hearing to give the defense more time to consider their options.

Phillips is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 17 to continue discussing the potential plea agreement.

Phillips has three felony cases and one misdemeanor case pending at DC Superior Court.

Defendant is A ‘Shining Example,’ Judge Says

A DC Superior Court judge reviewed a defendant’s probation and said she was considering ending it early.

Antonio Green, 20, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. On Jan. 7, Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced him to six months of incarceration, all of which were suspended, plus one year of supervised probation under the guidelines of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.) As conditions of his probation, Judge Brandt ordered him to maintain or seek employment and attend grief counseling.

A Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) representative said Green has been employed by a construction service and has been “very respectful” throughout his supervised probation thus far.

“I am proud of you, sir,” Judge Brandt said. “Keep up the good work.”

She inquired whether counsel was opposed to Green’s probation being successfully terminated early. The defense had no opposition to the question, but the stand-in prosecutor said that the case’s usual prosecutor knows more about the case.

Green appeared before the court on July 29 to evaluate his probation. Judge Brandt said she has called a lot of hearings to review probation because many services are not currently operating due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Finds Domestic Violence Defendant Competent, Releases Him

A DC Superior Court judge decided to release a defendant to live at a friend’s house after finding the defendant competent to stand trial.

The defendant is charged with violating a Court Protective Order (CPO) and contempt for allegedly violating his release conditions in a domestic violence case.

Judge Michael Ryan chose to release him from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution. He is slated to receive services from the Specialized Services Unit (SSU,) an organization for pretrial defendants with mental health needs.

Judge Ryan encouraged the defendant to continue with his treatment and comply with his release conditions.

“You don’t want any more cases in the criminal justice system so you have to work really hard,” Judge Ryan told him.

During the July 29 mental observation hearing, the prosecution argued against the defendant’s release, citing his history of violating stay away orders and release conditions.

However, defense attorney Chidi Ogolo pointed out that his client has been compliant with medication and treatment.

Judge Sentences Involuntary Manslaughter Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to five years of incarceration, of which two years were suspended with credit for time served, plus 18 months of supervised release.

Adrian Vinson pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for the death of 19-year-old Tahlil Byrd, a resident of Southeast, DC, on the 600 block of S Street, NW on Sept. 29.

During the July 29 hearing, Judge Ronna Beck sentenced the defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act. His case will be effectively sealed from public view if he completes the terms of his probation.

Judge Beck also ordered that Vinson take anger management classes. He must cooperate with any educational, vocational, employment and substance abuse programs directed by the Court Services Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

“I’m deeply remorseful for the pain I’ve caused this family,” said Vinson, 20. “Since I’ve been arrested, my main focus has been my education and rehabilitating myself. I want to prove I’m better than the worst mistake I’ve made in my life.”

The defendant must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund and participate in 90 hours of community service.

“There is a big hole in our family. My entire family is lost,” said Byrd’s sister in a victim impactment statement. “We are still getting harassed on social media.”

Defense attorney Douglas Wood said his client has been taking college-level courses at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF.) Wood also said the defendant has nothing to do with the social media harassment that has been occurring.

According to court documents, Vinson shot at Byrd from across the street. The decedent returned fire almost simultaneously.

Byrd appeared to make an attempt to retreat, however, was shot immediately and fell to the ground. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his left abdominal region.

Emergency personnel transported the victim to Howard University Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

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