Crime Alerts: July 14

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out three crime alerts during the day on July 14.

The most recent crime alert was sent at 6:09 p.m. for a shooting on the 1900 block of 19th Place S.E. Police are looking for a black male with a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He was last seen driving a silver/Grey Infinity.

At 1:27 p.m. another crime alert was sent of a robbery near the intersection of West Virginia Ave and Oates Street, NE. Police are looking two black males who are armed with handguns. The first suspect was wearing a brown t-shirt and black pants. The second suspect was wearing a white t-shirt and red pants. The suspects were last seem fleeing on a black scooter towards Mt. Olivet Street., NE.

A crime alert for another robbery was sent at 11:47 a.m. The incident occurred on the 1200 block F Street, NW. Police are looking for a place male 5’6″-5′;7″, 160-170 pounds,, wearing black skinny jeans, and a black t-shirt with graphic writing on it. The suspect was last seen going into the metro center train station

If anyone has information about these crimes, call 911.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Burglary Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that the prosecution secured enough evidence against a burglary defendant to send him to trial.

Willie Ingram is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into the Yes Organic Market on the 4100 block of Georgia Avenue NW.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers received a call in response to a burglary on April 27. Upon arriving on the scene, officers saw broken glass from the window. MPD officers viewed the store surveillance footage and an employee of the business was able to identify the suspect.

According to court documents, the defendant was seen on video wearing a full yellow construction suit and a face mask. Ingram could be viewed in the video taking a 12 pack of Heineken Beer and six pack Pacifico Beer from the fridge then fleeing the scene.

In response, defense attorney Charles Murdter argued that it was not probable cause because when his client was arrested he did not have a construction suit or a mask.

The attorney requested his client be released pending future hearings.

But, the judge denied the request.

The defendant is scheduled to appear in court on Aug 4.

Judge Holds Burglary Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge denied a release request from two co-defendants.

Ryan Harding and Antonni Flores, who is also known as Spongie and Antonni Gomaz, are charged with second-degree burglary. Flores is also charged with contempt and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Judge Brandt said the two were incapable of following simple instructions.

On April 8, Ryan Harding allegedly broke into the lobby of a building on the 1900 block of 3rd Street, NW, stealing a bicycle and vacuum cleaner. Antonni Flores helped him carry the items, according to court documents.

Flores’ attorney, Henry Escoto, said his client told him he was suffering from a lump in his chest. He asked Judge Rainey Brandt to release Flores so that he can seek medical attention, though Flores has not found a place to stay in the event of his release.

Harding’s defense attorney, Raymond Jones, asked the Judge Brandt to release his client as well, saying he has family members who will look after him. Jones said the community will be safe once Harding is put under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) and GPS monitoring.

The prosecution objected to both requests, citing the co-defendants’ history of prior charges, including burglaries.

Flores was also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and contempt for waving a knife outside a 7-11 store on the 3000 block of Mount Pleasant Street, NW. Judge Brandt ordered him to stay away from the location.

She continued holding Flores for a violation of the stay away order but issued a $25 bond for his assault and burglary cases.

The co-defendants’ next court hearing is scheduled for July 28.

Domestic Violence Defendant Takes Plea Deal

On July 14, DC Superior Court Judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant.

The defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault and violating a Temporary Protective Order (TPO).

As part of a plea agreement with the prosecution, his charge of simple assault, which he received in a separate domestic violence case, was dropped. The prosecution also agreed to not file any other charges against the defendant for an incident that occurred on May 9.

Judge John McCabe sentenced the defendant to 120 days in jail. The incarceration time was suspended. The defendant was given one year of probation with credit for time served.

As conditions of his probation, the defendant must comply with a stay away order, participate in a domestic violence intervention program and receive drug, alcohol and mental health assessments.

The victim filed for a Civil Protective Order (CPO) against the defendant. She said she wants him ordered to stay away from her, her children and the places they may frequent, such as the defendant’s place of work or her children’s schools.

“It concerns me that he will not be able to be tracked, and I will be on the receiving end of his violence,” the victim wrote in a statement read by the prosecution.

A hearing is scheduled for July 15 to discuss the terms of the CPO.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller asked Judge McCabe to cut the defendant’s suspended sentence and probationary period in half, saying her client took very early responsibility for his actions and has successfully completed supervised release before. She also said the defendant understands the seriousness of his separation with the victim. The ex-couple have broken up and gotten back together multiple times in the past.

“I have been praying to God ever since the incident happened to forgive me,” the defendant said.

The defendant was charged with simple assault and violating a CPO for visiting the complainant’s place of work and throwing an unidentifiable liquid on her. The latter charge was later changed to violating a TPO.

Judge Releases Defendant Awaiting Sentencing

On July 14, a DC Superior Court judge released a burglary defendant who is waiting to be sentenced.

On Feb. 28, Rodney Hart Jr. pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary for trying to remove a flat screen television from a building on the 2100 block of L Street, NW on Nov. 7. 2019.

We should give him another chance to present himself, the judge said.

Due to the defendant’s issues complying with the conditions of his pretrial release, including a stay away order violation, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) asked that Hart be removed from their supervision.

The prosecution said that Hart should be held in jail until he receives his sentence.

Hart’s defense, attorney Todd Baldwin, said his client was ordered to stay away from the District of Columbia. He said Hart only violated the stay away order because he had to pass through DC on his commute to work at the Navy Yard

Baldwin also asked Judge Gerald Fisher to limit his client’s stay away order to the Northwest quadrant of DC, where he committed multiple burglaries.

However, the prosecution said the stay away order specifically allowed Hart to partake in job training in Washington, DC. The prosecutor said Hart’s probation violations have nothing to do with is commute to work.

Hart’s next hearing is scheduled for July 16.

Judge Holds Defendant Who Would be Homeless if Released

On July 14, a DC Superior Court judge denied a defendant’s release request after learning that he would be homeless if let out of jail.

Brian Lomax is charged with unlawful entry onto private property for allegedly entering a store from which he was barred on Dec. 29. The establishment is located on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW. He was barred after numerous thefts from the store.

He was found incompetent to stand trial last February. However, Judge Steven Wellner declared him competent to stand trial during the July 14 hearing.

Lomax, who is currently being held at DC Jail, asked Judge Wellner to release him.

“I would like to be released on whatever conditions that you set forth, your Honor,” he said. “I have been incarcerated for a number of months, in St. Elizabeths and DC Jail. It’s already past July 4th.”

However, the defense had no options for housing or rehabilitation prepared for Lomax in the event of his release. The defendant’s closest relative is his grandmother.

Defense attorney Courtney Vaughan said his grandmother is unwilling to house him due to concerns that he was exposed to the COVID-19 virus while detained.

According to the prosecutor, a member of the defendant’s community would not feel safe if Lomax returned.

“I was a little surprised that we don’t have the support framework to put that [request] into action,” said Judge Wellner.

Judge Wellner said he would be willing to release Lomax if he has housing and rehabilitative options available.

The court scheduled another hearing so the defendant and his counsel have time to assemble options in the case that Lomax is released.

Lomax’s next hearing is scheduled for July 21.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant For Burglary Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who did not show up to his July 14 hearing.

Edgar Valasques, who is also known as Edgar Velasquez, is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into a store on the 1200 block of Upshire Street, NW. He removed several boxes of angle grinders, an artic hat, a belt tool, and two bleach bottles on June 17.

Defense attorney Rachel McCoy asked Judge Gerald Fisher to consider issuing a bench warrant only if Valasques does not appear again for his felony status conference, which is scheduled for Sept. 17.

Judge Fisher denied the request, saying it was unlikely Valasques would return on his own.

His July 14 hearing was scheduled to address his issues complying with the terms of his pretrial release.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Assault with Knife

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect for assaulting a victim with a knife on July 13.

According to a press release, the 41-year-old suspect assaulted the victim on the 2500 block of Benning Road, NE. The victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.

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Document: Dispute Leads to Shooting, Police Make Arrest

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect after he decided to fire shots after a dispute on July 14.

According to a press release, the 67-year-old suspect brandished a gun and fired shots at a victim after he and the victim were involved in a dispute.

The suspect is awaiting his initial hearing at the DC Superior Courts.

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Judge Pushes Hearing Back to Give Victim Opportunity to Make an Impact Statement

On July 14, DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian postponed a hearing, so a victim would be available to make a victim impact statement.

Sean Brislin is charged with unlawful entry onto private property for allegedly entering a victim’s home on the 200 block of K Street, NE, and sleeping in her bed on Jan. 25.

Parties are planning on entering into a deferred prosecution agreement during the upcoming hearing. In the agreement the defendant’s charges would be dismissed if he completes certain requirements.

The victim said she wanted to make a statement during the hearing.

The prosecution informed the victim of the hearing date and time in early July.

The prosecutor said there was constant communication with the victim until last night, when the victim said she would not be able to participate in the hearing because of a cold and allergies.

The victim did not reply to the prosecutor’s request for a written statement, the prosecutor said. He attempted to call the victim during the hearing, but she did not pick up.

Defense attorney Christopher Mutimer opposed the request, saying the victim was “showing it’s not a priority” through her actions.

Brislin allegedly entered a victim’s residence without permission. The victim found him sleeping in her bedroom after she took out the trash. She left the door closed but unlocked and did not give the defendant permission to enter, according to court documents.

The victim and Brislin did not know each other.

Judge Sentences Defendant in Accordance with Mandatory Minimum

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith sentenced a defendant to 14 months with credit for time served plus three years of supervised release in accordance with the mandatory minimum sentencing rules.

Davon Easton, who is also known as Javon Hassock and Je, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm with a prior conviction for armed robbery.

Judge Smith said she would like Easton to receive the support and education to succeed as soon as possible.

The judge advised the defendant to seek out aid for substance abuse, critical thinking and transitional housing after his release. She also asked Easton to take steps towards earning his GED and getting job training so he can provide stability for himself, his partner and his family.

Easton pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 19, 2019. He has been detained in DC Jail since Sept. 20, 2019.

Since Easton has already been in jail for almost 10 months and is receiving credit for time served, he will be released in about four months.

His supervised release will run concurrent with his pre-existing supervised release from his previous felony conviction.

Defense attorney Shawn Sukumar asked for the shortest possible sentence so that his client can receive support from his community and family. Sukumar said that Easton, who was a teenager at the time of his first felony, has never had access to necessary mental health or educational services.

“I haven’t received proper help with mental health,” said Easton. “I was put in jail when I was 19, and I feel like I’ve never been given the support I needed.”

The prosecution suggested the defendant be detained for 18 months and then put on probation. The prosecutor agreed that Easton should receive mental health services.

“The record also reflects a lack of family love and support as well as a lack of educational materials at formative ages,” she said.

Defendant Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to Time Served.

On July 14, a domestic violence defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served.

The defendant was brought before the court in four domestic violence cases. He pleaded guilty to contempt for violating a court order to stay away from his wife and her place of residence on May 21. As part of a plea agreement with the prosecution, his other charges of simple assault, second-degree theft and violating a temporary protective order (TPO) were dropped.

The defendant has been in jail for 54 days while he awaits trial. Judge John McCabe sentenced him to time served without probation.

The prosecution requested that the defendant be sentenced to three months of incarceration followed by one year of probation. The prosecution also asked that he receive drug and alcohol treatment and be ordered not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk his wife.

The prosecutor said there is a history of the defendant’s wife contacting the police. He “needs to be made to understand that court orders are not just suggestions,” counsel said.

Defense attorney Hannah Akintoye requested that her client receive credit for time served so he would not have to spend more time behind bars. She also asked that he receive one year of probation.

Akintoye said COVID-19 has brought out the worst in domestic relationships, and that the defendant and his wife have agreed to attend counseling.

“The only reason I called the police is because I thought that my husband took money from me,” the defendant’s wife said during the sentencing hearing. “But I found my money. So it’s all a misunderstanding.”

The defendant’s wife also said that she needed him home to aid her in health issues, and that the couple is planning on moving out of Washington, DC.

Judge Orders Defendant to Participate in Mental Health Services

On July 13, DC Superior Court Judge Gerald Fisher ordered an assault defendant, who is on pretrial release, to participate in mental health services as recommended by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

Jacqueline Kelly, who is also known as Theresa Ann Kelly, is charged with simple assault. She allegedly tried to punch the victim on June 18. The victim sustained a minor scratch on her left cheek.

The hearing was scheduled to address the defendant’s issues of non compliance with her release conditions.

Defense attorney Claudine Harrison said her client suffers from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression. She said Kelly, 56, “had a breakdown” while off her medication, leading to her recent arrests. Harrison said the defendant is now on proper medication and has a noticeable difference in her demeanor.

She was given pretrial release and a stay away order for the incident.

On June 21, Kelly allegedly violated the stay away order. Upon returning to the location from which she was ordered to stay away, she allegedly asked the same victim if she wanted to “get [her] a** whooped like Thursday” and threw a Corona bottle at her, according to court documents. The defendant then struck the victim’s father with a stick and threatened to kill the victim’s daughter, who was not present at the time. A police report was filed in connection with this incident, but the defendant was not arrested for it.

However, Kelly was arrested again on June 25 for allegedly breaking the front windshield of another person’s car and running towards the victim with a knife in her hands yelling, “I’m going to kill you” on the 200 block of 36th Street, NE.

She was subsequently charged with destruction of property less than $1,000, attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.

The judge released her with conditions on July 13.

Kelly is scheduled to appear in court again on Aug. 3.

Crime Alerts: July 13-14

Between 9 p.m. on July 13 and 9 a.m. on July 14, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out four crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 1:31 a.m. for a robbery on the 6200 block of Clay Street, NE. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect is described to have a medium complexion with a medium build, wearing all black clothing. Police do not have a description of the second suspect.

Another alert for a robbery was sent at 12:02 a.m. on the 600 block of E Street, SE. Police are looking for a Black male with a beard carrying a silver handgun in a black sedan .

An alert for a stabbing went out at 9:19 p.m. on the 2500 block of Benning Road, NE. They have one suspect in custody.

Another alert was sent at 9:18 p.m. for a crime on the 4000 block of 8th Street, SE. Police have suspects in custody.

If anyone has information about these crimes, please call 911.

Domestic Violence Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

A defendant pleaded not guilty to simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted second-degree cruelty to children on July 13.

The defendant is accused of threatening a 17-year-old and her mother, saying he would “chop them up.” The defendant also allegedly choked the 17-year-old, causing injuries to her throat and back.

The prosecution requested that the defendant be ordered to stay away from the young woman, as well as her home, place of work and school. Defense attorney Brittany Kerr asked that her client not be ordered to stay away from the home because he and the victims live together.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a stay away order but it is unclear if that order pertains to the victim and her family.

The defendant’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 23.

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