Judge Gives Defendant More Time for Compliance

On July 24, a DC Superior Court judge reserved bench warrant rights for a domestic violence defendant who is a loss of contact, giving her additional time to come into compliance with the conditions of her pretrial release.

The defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault on March 13 and her case is currently pending sentencing. She has been on release since being charged in February, and has had to comply with court-ordered GPS monitoring.

According to a notice of noncompliance, which was filed on July 14 by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), the defendant has not charged her GPS device since July 6, except for one time on July 18. The device’s battery has remained dead, and the defendant’s whereabouts are currently unknown by both her attorney, Edward Gain, and CSOSA.

However, during the July 24 hearing the prosecution refrained from requesting a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest because it was unclear whether or not she was informed of the hearing.

At the prosecution’s request, Judge Danya Dason issued a judicial summons for the defendant to appear in court on Aug. 10 to address her noncompliance.

The defendant is currently scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 28, the same day as her co-defendant. The two pleaded guilty to assaulting the same victim.

Judge Grants Independent Competency Evaluation for Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge granted a defense attorney’s request for an independent competency evaluation on July 24.

Dontelle Mott is charged with assault on a police officer while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon while armed for allegedly threatening Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers with a knife on the 1000 block of Wisconsin Ave, NW on Dec. 5.

Mott, 24, was transferred from DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, on Dec. 11. He was found mentally incompetent to stand trial on Jan. 13, Feb. 14 and March 13. However, he was found competent on April 21.

Defense attorney Kevin Oliver disagreed with the doctor’s finding and requested an independent evaluation.

Judge Michael Ryan approved the request and authorized $1,600 for testing.

However, Judge Ryan urged Oliver to talk to the original doctor about their findings as well. “This has been dragging on too long,” he said.

According to court documents, Mott allegedly threatened a cashier who confronted him about taking items from a store on the 1000 block of Wisconsin Ave, NW on Nov. 13, 2019. The cashier was advised to contact DC Police if Mott returned, which he did on Dec. 5.

The defendant fled on foot when the police were called, but was caught by officers. He took out a knife and swung it at officers he felt were too close to them. During the confrontation with police, Mott said he was “Illuminati.”

Mott’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Denies Release

A DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in an assault case.

David Brown is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery.

Judge Neal Kravitz chose to hold the defendant in DC Jail because the violent nature of the crimes made him concerned for community safety.

During the July 23 preliminary hearing, the prosecution provided video surveillance of Brown, 52, allegedly attempting to steal from two victims.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective also testified that he saw the defendant commit the offenses.

Defense attorney Sean Murphy argued against probable cause since the detective said the defendant, whose face was covered during the offenses, had facial hair. Murphy said this suggests the detective is misremembering events.

However, the prosecution said that a minor issue with memory should not take away from the whole basis for probable cause.

Judge Kravitz agreed, citing video surveillance and the detective’s identification of the defendant.

According to court documents, on May 1, two victims said Brown tried to rob them at the Gallery Place Metro Station, which is located on the 600 block of 7th Street, NW.

The first victim said Brown grabbed her purse on the train. The defendant allegedly ran away when she fell onto the train platform, struggling to hold on to her belongings.

Shortly after, Brown allegedly came behind a woman at the station and wrapped one arm around her neck and another around her upper torso, saying “give me your money b****.”

After she struggled, he ran away, the documents state.

MPD officers detained the man and said they overheard him say, “so what if I did it. I’m a crackhead. I did it for crack.”

Brown’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17.

Judge Releases Defendant After Prosecution Withdraws Hold Request

A DC Superior Court judge released a domestic violence defendant after the prosecution withdrew their hold request.

The defendant is charged with simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm and threats to kidnap or injure a person.

The defendant was held at DC Jail on June 8. The prosecution withdrew their request to hold the individual on July 23.

Judge Judith Pipe released the defendant on a promise to return to court with a stay away order from the victim and the victim’s residence.

The defendant is also required to seek out mental health treatment with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20.

Judge Continues Hearing for Burglary Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing for burglary co-defendants at the request of both parties on July 24.

Antonni Flores-Diaz, 24, and Ryan Harding, 24, are charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into a residential building on the 1900 block of 3rd Street, NW and stealing a bicycle and vacuum cleaner on April 9.

The hearing was continued because the Department of Corrections was not given sufficient time prepare. Both parties initially entered the hearing on July 24 with intentions to take a plea deal.

Judge Rainey Brandt said that the court was alerted of the agreement after hours last night.

She said that the Department of Corrections, where Flores-Diaz and Harding are being held, needs more of a heads up in order to prepare for a plea agreement or release.

Counsel agreed to continue the hearing to a future date.

Before the next hearing date was set, Flores-Diaz asked for release.

Judge Brandt denied the request, saying she could not release the defendants based on their criminal histories and the nature of the crime.

According to court documents, while on pretrial release, Flores-Diaz picked up additional charges for assault with a dangerous weapon on April 14, when he threatened a victim with a knife on the 3100 block of Mount Pleasant Street, NW, and contempt of court on April 30 for disobeying a stay away order.

Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court again on Aug. 12 to discuss accepting a plea agreement with the prosecution.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) and an Assault with Significant Injuries Offenses: 400 Block of 2nd Street, Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest was made in reference to a non-fatal shooting and an assault incident on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW, on June 28, July 11, and July 23.

According to MPD documents, on June 28, officers responded to the location for the sound of gunshots, where they located damaged vehicles. The investigation at the scene revealed two suspects firing firearms at one another. No injuries were reported.

On July 11, a victim was approached by three suspects at the location. The suspects assaulted the victim and fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

On July 23, officers stopped a suspect at the location in connection to the offenses mentioned above. During their investigation, the suspect was found to be in possession of an illegal firearm and synthetic marijuana.

On July 23, 25-year-old Ronald Yarborough was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, destruction of property, assault with significant bodily injury, carrying a pistol without a license, possession with intent to distribute while armed, and possession of an unlawful firearm, among other charges.

These cases remain under investigation.

Judge Modifies Curfew for Man Convicted of Manslaughter

A DC Superior Court judge modified the curfew for a defendant who said he was wrongfully convicted.

In 2012, Donnell Washington, 36, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for shooting 34-year-old Stanley Dawson in 2010 on the 3500 block of 19th Street, SE.

Judge Neal Kravitz modified the defendant’s curfew to 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. to accommodate his work schedule.

Washington appealed his case, and in 2019, was resentenced to five years for voluntary manslaughter while armed. He was released on time served and given 18 months of supervised probation.

The July 23 hearing was scheduled to address Washington’s issues complying with the terms of his probation.

A Court Services Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) representative said Washington, 36, violated conditions of his probation by staying out past his curfew, not receiving drug testing and failing to comply with condition for his GPS tracking device. The representative recommended that the defendant’s release be revoked.

Defense attorney David Knight opposed the representative’s request, citing his client’s compliance with stay away orders. Washington has not picked up any new charges since the offense.

Knight said the defendant’s drug usage and curfew violations were ways of coping with his depression. Knight also said the defendant’s curfew violations were sometimes due to his employment.

“They’re violations, but it wasn’t because he was attempting to go out to commit criminal offenses,” said Knight.

Knight also said that Washington only stopped complying with drug testing because of COVID-19-related health concerns.

“I’m not a monster. I’m tired of being looked at like a monster,” the defendant told the judge. “I was wrongfully convicted, your honor. I took a guilty plea because it was best for my daughter. I’ve been in jail nine years for a crime I didn’t commit.”

Defendant Enters in Agreement for Drug Possession

On July 24, a defendant entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) for possessing cocaine.

Howard Watkins is charged with possession of a controlled substance after being found with cocaine on the 4300 block of Wheeler Road, SE on April 9.

Watkins must complete 32 hours of verified community service in DC within the four month deferment period. He must also comply with any court orders and not violate the law or be arrested on probable cause.

If he completes these requirements, his charge will be dismissed.

DC Superior Court Judge William Nooter scheduled Watkins to return to court on Nov. 24 to evaluate his progress.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Holds Defendants

On July 23, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause and held two defendants.

Co-defendants Keon Smith, 20, and Ja’cori Williams, 16, are charged with armed 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.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller said probable cause could only be found if you rely on the victim’s account. However, she said the victim was not acting like a reliable witness, citing his behavior and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers’ reaction to him.

“I don’t think it’s proper to conclude the victim was lying because of a police officer’s thoughts,” said Judge Neal Kravitz.

Weller said that the victim never made specific claims about the defendants. She also said the video surveillance of the incident was too blurry to identify who stole the vehicle.

Weller said there was no way of confirming the gun found on the defendant’s flight path was the same gun used in the offense, as the victim was never asked to confirm the weapon.

However, the prosecution cited the defendants’ fingerprints on the car and a gun that was found on the defendants’ flight path as reason for probable cause.

Judge Kravitz was not convinced that the gun was not the same used in the incident, saying it was unlikely a different loaded pistol would be lying in the location where it was found.

He said there may be some legitimate questions raised about the victim’s credibility, but that there was enough corroboration with the evidence to find probable cause.

He also chose to hold both defendants, citing the violent nature of their crimes and concern for community safety.

According to court documents, Smith and Williams allegedly stole a dog and asked its owner to pay them $500 before they could return the dog. When the owner only provided $200, the two defendants allegedly pointed a gun at him and took his black Chevy Malibu. Surveillance footage showed the two men abandoning the vehicle at the intersection of Gainesville Street and Elvans Road, SE while being pursued by MPD officers.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Fatal Stabbing Penn Ave, SE

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested July 23 a suspect in connection to a fatal stabbing that occurred on 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Police arrested 58-year-old Kenneth Wayne Stewart for first-degree murder while armed.

According to a press release, officers found two adult males inside a vehicle. One of the men was suffering from stab wounds and unconscious. The unconscious male, 54-year-old Courtney Jones was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The other male was treated on the scene for non-life threatening injuries.

Police believe the homicide resulted from a dispute among the individuals.

Crime Alerts: July 23-24

Throughout the evening on July 23 and the morning hours of July 24, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out six crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 7:06 a.m. for an armed robbery at 6:41 a.m. on the 1700 Eulclid Street, NE. The police are looking for two Hispanic males and one black male. The first suspect is wearing blue camouflage pants and a black jacket. The second suspect and the third suspect are wearing black jackets. All three suspects are around 125 pounds. One of the suspects is believed to be armed with a gun. One suspect was riding a red city bike. The suspects were last seen fleeing the 1700 block of Euclid Street, NE.

An alert was sent at 3:25 a.m. for a robbery at 3:05 a.m. on the 700 block of 7th Street, NW. Police are looking for two black males. One male was wearing a white tank top with red shorts. The other male was wearing a white tank top with blue jean shorts.

At 9:38 p.m. on July 23, another robbery alert was sent out. The robbery occurred on the 1300 block of Longfellow Street, NW. Police are looking for a black male who is skinny, in his mid-20’s, has a beard, wearing a white T-shirt under a dark jacket, black pants and a black baseball hat.

An alert of a shooting was sent out a 9:26 p.m. The shooting occurred at 9 p.m. on the 100 block of 53rd Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s) available.

At 9:24 p.m. another alert of a shooting was sent out. The shooting occurred on the 6400 block of 5th Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

At 8:40 p.m. an alert for a stabbing was sent out. The stabbing occurred on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE at 8:03 p.m. Police are looking for a black male with red pants and a white shirt.

Crime Alerts: July 23

The Metropolitan Police Department issued four crime alerts on July 23.

The most recent alert was sent at 6:16 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 900 block of Rittenhouse Street, NW. Police are looking for a black male with a light complexion, 5’5″, short corn rows, wearing no shirt and black jeans. He is suspected to be armed with a knife.

At 5:26 p.m. an alert for a stabbing on the 4900 block of Georgia Ave NW. Police said a possible suspect was stopped.

At 4:49 p.m. another alert was sent about a robbery investigation on the 4700 Block of Piney Branch Road, NW. Police are looking for a Black Acura SUV and three suspects. The first suspect is a black male, between 5’5″-5’7″ tall in his 20’s with a short haircut, wearing black shorts and a black shirt with an AR style pistol. The second suspect is a black male who is 5’5″-5’7″ tall in his 20’s wearing a black shirt and black skinny jeans. The third suspect is a black male.

An alert for a shooting was sent at 3:32 p.m. the incident occurred 4500 block of Quarles Street, NE. Police do not have a description of a possible suspect.

IF anyone has information on these crime, please call 911.

Judge Releases Defendant Charged With Theft

On July 23, a DC Superior Court judge released a defendant charged with second-degree theft.

Fletcher Bullock, 40, is accused of stealing about $584 worth of goods from a Walmart retail store on the 300 block of Riggs Road, NE on Jan. 25.

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) said Bullock had been a loss of contact between July 16 and July 22.

Bullock’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30.

Judge Decides Against Issuing Bench Warrant

A DC Superior Court judge decided against issuing a bench warrant for a man who was convicted of theft after he failed to appear for his July 23 hearing.

Donnell Wilkinson was summoned to court to address his issues complying with the terms of his probation.

In January, Wilkinson, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft in two separate cases. He admitted to stealing clothing from a store on the 900 block of F Street, NW on Oct. 7, 2019, according to court documents. On Nov. 24, 2019, Wilkinson stole jewelry from a CVS pharmacy on the 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW.

He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 35 of which were suspended, plus six months of probation.

“He might be confused,” Judge Danya Dayson said. “He may not know that he’s supposed to be here.”

Judge Dayson denied the prosecution’s request to issue a bench warrant, saying she will continue the case for four weeks.

Defense attorney Stephen Logerfo said he would visit his client’s residence and contact his mother to ask about his whereabouts.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug 20.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request To Change Release Conditions

A DC Superior Court judge denied a defendant’s request to modify the conditions of his pretrial release.

Noah Misbah is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance for allegedly selling Oxycodone pills to an undercover member of the Narcotics & Special Investigations Division of the Metropolitan Police Department on the 1800 block of Rhode Island Ave, NE on Oct. 11, 2019.

He was put on pretrial release, during which time he allegedly committed the same offenses again on Dec. 11, 2019.

Defense attorney Anthony Smith asked that his client be dismissed from home confinement and the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.) He said Misbah, 22, has been compliant with his release conditions for a substantial period of time, and he has a job.

Judge Danya Dayson disagreed, saying that Misbah is unable to comply with conditions that are less strict, given that he was re-arrested while on pretrial release.

She also said the home confinement order did not interfere with Misbah’s ability to work or seek employment.

The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) said the defendant’s home confinement order was previously replaced with a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., which the defendant violated.

Misbah is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on Oct. 13.

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