Judge Releases Assault Defendant

A defendant was released from pretrial detention and put on GPS monitoring on June 25.

The defendant was charged in a domestic violence case for simple assault on June 8.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the defendant’s release, saying he was not a threat to the public or his spouse.

The prosecution argued that the defendant’s criminal history was grounds for pretrial detention. However, Judge Raffinan said the defendant’s criminal history is dated, so it should not be that large of a factor.

The prosecution also cited the defendant’s violent history with his spouse.

Judge Raffinan granted a stay away order to address possible problems.

The defendant’s next hearing slated to occur on Sept. 8.

DC Jail Needs to Make Accommodations for High Risk Defendant, Judge Says

On June 24, a DC Superior Court Judge ordered that accommodations be made for a defendant due to health conditions, which put him at a higher risk of dying from the coronavirus.

Quincy Walters, 38, is charged with assault with theintent to kill while armed. He was arrested in connection with an incident that occurred on April 12 in which two people were shot multiple times in the rear alley of the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Both victims lived, but one sustained orbital fractures and brain swelling.

In her ruling, Judge Ronna Lee Beck ordered Walters remain in jail without bail.

He is scheduled to return to court on July 10.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Murder of 28-year-old Man

The Metropolitan Police Department announced that an arrest was made in a murder investigation.

According to a press release, officers arrested 20-year-old Philbert Griffith Jr. on June 25 for first-degree murder while armed. Griffith allegedly shot 28 year-old Alante Moore on the 1500 block of 19^th Street, SE on June 19.

The case is still under investigation.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information can be sent to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Crime Alerts: June 24-25

From 7 p.m. on June 24 to 7 a.m. on June 25, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out six alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 4:47 a.m. for a shooting on the 2400 block of Elvans Rd, SE. The police currently do not have any suspects.

A robbery alert was sent at 3:19 a.m. for a robbery on the 800 block of West Virginia Ave, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, 5’10” with slim build and wearing all black clothing.

Another robbery alert was sent at 12:32 a.m. for a robbery on the 700 block of Galloway St, NE. Police are looking for four to five Black males, 19-25 years old, 5’8″, with one wearing a white t-shirt.

An alert for a shooting went out at 11:34 p.m. at Orren St, NE and Neal St, NE. The police are not looking for anyone specific.

Another alert for a shooting went out at 11:17 p.m. for a shooting on the 600 block of Mellon St, SE. Police are not looking for anyone specific.

Another robbery alert was sent out at 10:50 p.m. for a robbery investigation at the intersection of Massachusetts Ave and Southern Ave SE. Police are looking for a Black male, light complexion, meduim build, wearing a light hooded jacket. The man was last seen going south on Massachusetts Ave SE.

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

Hearing Continues Without Defendant’s Presence

A court hearing continued without the defendant after her counsel waived her presence.

According to defense counsel, Michelle Dodson did not have access to an electronic device that would allow her to attend the hearing, which was conducted virtually.

The defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault on Jan 13. She was given six months of probation, 90 hours of community service and a $100 fine.

DC Superior Court Judge James Cromwell terminated her probation.

However, Dodson must complete the 90 hours of community service. Once she does, her conviction will be removed from her record.

Judge Reschedules Hearing So Defendant Can Be Present

A hearing was postponed because of a scheduling conflict, which prevented the defendant from attending his hearing on June 24.

Michael Starks was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on April 22.

DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker granted the defense’s request for another hearing so that Starks could be present. The hearing is scheduled for July 1.

Defense Requests New Court Date for Defendant to Waive Prelim Hearing

A defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing, which would determine if there is enough evidence to bring his case to trial.

James Hawkins was charged with robbery on March 28.

A felony status conference was scheduled for June 24. However, defense attorney Rachel McCoy asked that a new date be set so Hawkins could sign a waiver forgoing the preliminary hearing.

Judge Julie Becker granted the request for a new hearing date, which is scheduled for June 30.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Time Served Plus Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 2 years in prison and three years on probation.

On March 16, Jerome Barnes pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing his victim 17 times with a knife.

Barnes received time served for the time he was to spend in prison. He must also complete a drug treatment program and an anger management course during his probation.

Barnes must not test positive for PCP, a hallucinatory drug, during his probation.

The prosecution read the victim’s impact statement. The victim did not wish any harsh punishment on the defendant, however the victim requested a stay away order. In the statement the victim expressed never wanting to have contact with Barnes again.

Judge Michael O’Keefe issued a three year stay away order, which forbids Barnes from coming within 100 feet of the victim.

The defendant and the victim have not had contact since the incident.

Weapons Case Results in Deferred Sentence

After pleading guilty to a felony, the defendant entered into a deferred sentencing agreement with the prosecution on June 24.

Chauntel Watson pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol outside a home or business.

DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell put her sentencing on hold until Jan. 15.

If Watson complies with the the conditions of the plea agreement during that time, she will be able to withdraw her guilty plea and her charge will be dropped.

The conditions state that Watson must not violate any laws or be arrested on probable cause.

She must also complete 48 hours of community service. Watson can choose where she wants to complete the hours, but it must be approved by pretrial services.

Judge Continues Case on Behalf of Counsel

A DC Superior Court judge ordered that a case currently undergoing an appeal be continued until Sept. 3 in order to figure out how the defense and prosecution would like to move forward.

Irik Wynn was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon in February of 2017. He was sentenced to nearly four years months in prison. He received credit for time served. Wynn is also required to serve three years of supervised probation.

The defense appealed the sentence on May 3.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to time served plus one year of supervised probation on June 24.

Dwanna Cobbs pleaded guilty to simple assault, destruction of property and second-degree theft. He was initially charged with robbery, simple assault, destruction of property less than $1,000, unlawful entry, second-degree theft, possession of an open container of alcohol and a bail violation on Oct. 5, 2019.

As part of the plea agreement, Cobbs’ robbery, unlawful entry, possession of an open container of alcohol and bail violation charges were dropped.

Judge Michael Ryan said that Cobbs’ main focus should be receiving mental health and drug treatment.

He also said that if Cobbs follows the conditions of her probation for three months by calling her probation officer once a week and receiving treatment, he will allow the remainder of her probation to be unsupervised.

Judge Releases Defendant Charged with Robbery

A DC Superior Court judge granted a robbery defendant’s request to be released while awaiting trial.

Richard Bennett is accused of robbing a man on the 300 block of Florida Avenue, NE on Feb. 6. Upon his arrest, police found his victim’s ID and multiple cards in his possession.

On June 24, the prosecution said Bennett may not be competent to stand trial, as reports from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, suggested that he showed signs of paranoia. The prosecutor also warned against releasing the defendant due to his extensive criminal history, aggressive behavior towards hospital staff and the fact that he tested positive for the coronavirus.

Bennett’s defense attorney, Amy Philips, said her client is no longer contagious because he has most recently tested negative for the virus twice.

Philips argued for Bennett’s release, saying he acknowledges his mental health problems and is committed to seeking treatment. The treatment would be provided by Community Connections, a nonprofit health service in DC.

A representative from the organization confirmed Philips’ claims.

Philips then mentioned that Bennett’s mother would provide him with shelter and a job upon his release.

Bennett is a “very lucky man,” Judge Michael Ryan said, declaring the defendant competent to stand trial. Judge Ryan released Bennett on June 24.

Bennett’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5.

Judge Decides to Keep Defendant in Psych Ward

A DC Superior Court judge decided June 24 that a defendant charged with robbery should stay in the psychiatric ward.

Gerald Rich is accused of robbing two construction workers on the 5000 block of F Street, SE on Dec, 13, 2019, and fleeing with an accomplice in a red Hyundai Kona SUV. He apparently robbed another construction worker the previous day just two blocks away.

The Department of Behavioral Health wanted Rich released from the psychiatric ward at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, and sent to jail. According to the department, Rich is a safety hazard to hospital staff and patients. Department physicians also found Rich competent to stand trial.

Defense attorney Corrine Schultz argued that Rich only became competent because he received involuntary medication at St. Elizabeth’s, citing the institution’s lack of legal authority to administer involuntary medication.

Judge Michael Ryan sided with the defense.

Rich’s next hearing is scheduled for July 27.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Six Months in Prison

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to six months in prison after his probation was revoked.

Keith McBride was charged with carrying a pistol outside a home or business in 2019 and unlawful possession of ammunition in 2017. He pleaded guilty to both charges on Feb. 6, 2019.

McBride was granted probation. However, he violated the terms of his probation. His probation was revoked and he was taken into custody on Feb. 20.

Judge Julie Becker said that McBride was given many chances to keep himself out of jail and, for that reason, he should serve time.

She sentenced him to time served for his 2017 case and six months for the 2019 case.

Judge Vacates Hearing for Defendant Charged in DV Case

A DC Superior Court judge cancelled a case’s preliminary hearing on June 24. A new date was set to review the case’s status.

The defendant is charged with assault with a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in a crime of violence.

Counsel requested that a preliminary hearing he scheduled for May 29, 2021.

Hines is scheduled to appear for his next hearing on Aug. 6.

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