Judge Issues Bench Warrant After Defendant Fails to Appear Again

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a defendant who he failed to appear to court again.

Kenneth Greene was charged with simple assault on Feb. 1, 2019. Greene was also charged with a misdemeanor bail reform act violation on April 8, 2019.

Greene has a history of failing to appear when summoned. He was released pending his next court date after his simple assault charge was filed.

A notice on non-compliance on Feb. 21, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on Feb. 26. Additional bench warrants were issued in both June and July of 2019.

Because of Greene’s failures to appear, he was released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP) in July of 2019. Another notice of non-compliance was filed on July 30, two weeks later.

“Essentially, the defendant is a loss of contact,” Judge Sean Staples said. “He has been a loss of contact since July of 2019.”

Greene’s attorney, Michelle Lockard, noted that Greene is homeless and that she has not been able to contact him. Lockard says she is unsure if he knows that he has been summoned to court.

She also said that, even if he was in possession of a GPS monitoring device, which was ordered by the court, he would be unable to charge it since the public library is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Staples dismissed this point, saying that Greene has been out of contact long before the COVID-19 reached the United States. The bench warrant does not have bail.

Defendant Receives 16-Month Sentence

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to one year and four months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleaded guilty in a domestic violence case.

Terrance Hines pleaded guilty Jan. 22 to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. He allegedly grabbed his ex-wife’s hair in front of one of their twin boys. He then left and returned with a firearm.

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith also requested that Hines receive vocational training, a life skills course and counseling while incarcerated.

Hines will also be required to get a job, participate in a domestic violence intervention program, take a mental health assessment and receive treatment when he is released.

Hines, 42, must also register as a gun offender and pay a $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

His ex-wife has since passed away. Prior to her passing, the prosecution was uncertain if she would make a statement because she was afraid of her ex-husband.

According to Hines’ defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, he cares deeply about his family but needs to reroute his response when handling difficult situations.

“I’m just trying to get back out there and get with my kids,” Hines said. “I don’t even know how they’re eating right now.”

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Homeless Man On Probation

On June 19, a defendant’s defense attorney argued against issuing a warrant for his client’s arrest to no avail.

Ernest Moody was charged in August 2019 with simple assault, destruction of property and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Moody asked a man to buy him some cigarettes and got violent with the victim when he refused.

The defendant was released to a halfway house and work release program at Hope Village in September of 2019.

He was dropped from the program for several noncompliance issues and held at DC Jail.

Moody accepted a plea deal in May and was sentenced to 180 days in jail, which was suspended, and 18 months on probation with requirements including mental health screenings and treatment and anger management classes.

Moody was released on May 27. Shortly after his release, he went on a business trip to Pennsylvania, but according to his probation officer, he never checked in when he returned.

The probation officer also said Moody left the DC area without permission.

In addition, the officer said Moody is in need of mental health treatment, never went to live with his mother in Maryland as instructed, and has allegedly been using marijuana.

Moody’s defense attorney, Chris Langello, argued that Moody did not need permission to go to Pennsylvania for work. His employer has been helping him with housing and other necessities while he speaks about prison reform.

Langello also argued that there is no official information about Moody using drugs.

While District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Sean Staples acknowledged Langello’s argument, he cited additional issues, including Moody’s failure to report for GPS monitoring and his continued failure to connect with his probation officer.

Langello said Moody is currently homeless and lost his phone, so there was no way of him knowing about his scheduled hearing. He stated that he is confident he can track him down.

Langello also noted that June 19 is a holiday, referring to Juneteenth, and that it is unfair to ask an African American man to attend court when the court should be closed in acknowledgment of Emancipation Day for individuals who were forced into slavery in the country.

Judge Staples replied that June 19 is not a holiday in DC, which is why the courts are open. He issued a no bond bench warrant for Moody’s arrest for his non-compliance with his probation requirements.

Judge Dismisses Prison Breach Case

The prosecution will no longer prosecute a defendant charged with a prison breach.

Stephen Summers was living at Hope Village halfway house at the time of the alleged incident. According to an affidavit, a staff member found an unknown substance inside a sandwich bag in Summers’ pocket on April 23, 2014. He was also charged with bail violation.

After refusing to give the staff member the item in his pocket, Summers allegedly walked out of the halfway house without permission and did not return.

He was charged on April 18, 2020. Both cases were dismissed.

Judge Puts Off Scheduling Trial Date for 3 Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge postponed setting a trial date for three co-defendants, saying that the suspension of jury trials due to COVID-19 prevented him from being able to do so.

Tony Horne, Dexter Brown and Gregory Sharps are charged with conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree theft, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, carrying a pistol without license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Brown is also charged with fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and possessing of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

Horne, Brown and Sharpe were charged with armed kidnapping and robbery on Feb. 12, 2019 at 500 block of H Street, NE. The defendants allegedly robbed an unlicensed marijuana dispensary at gunpoint and zip-tied the employees.

All three defendants have been detained at DC Jail since October of 2019. They have motioned for release on multiple occasions, citing unsafe medical conditions and possible exposure to COVID-19.

Judge Neal Kravitz said that, due to the extension of DC Court’s emergency order, any trial date that could have been set during the hearing would eventually change. He said this is because other defendants are waiting for their jury trials to begin once the emergency order is lifted.

Judge Kravitz said scheduling of a potential trial date could put all three defendants lower on the priority list for court dates.

Brown’s defense attorney, Sean Murphy, also asked Judge Kravitz for a bail modification hearing, which Judge Kravitz accepted.

Murphy said he filed a motion in late April over concern of Brown’s diabetic condition, which puts him at high risk for COVID-19. Murphy also said Brown was receiving inadequate care after his cellmate was diagnosed with the virus.

All three defendants are scheduled for another hearing on Sept. 9 to address a plea offer from the prosecution.

Judge Holds Burglary Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge denied June 19 a request for release from a defendant charged with second-degree burglary.

According to witness testimony and body cam footage from an MPD officer, Jakeem Pope, entered a house on the 1200 block of Hamilton Street, NW on March 29. The residents of the house returned and confronted Pope in their bathroom. He apparently rummaged through a closet, but officers who arrested him found he had not taken anything.

Defense attorney Stuart Johnson questioned the officer’s reliability as a witness, repeatedly probing her on the details of the crime scene and statements the defendant made.

Johnson also shed light on the various infractions the officer had on the job and the fact that she failed to appear and testify before court multiple times.

Johnson said his client did not commit burglary because he had no intention to steal, claiming he had every opportunity to do so, given he had been in the victims’ home for at least 30 minutes before they returned.

The prosecution said the fact that Pope hid a pair of Apple AirPods underneath a towel in the bathroom where the complainants confronted him meant he likely wanted to steal the items but was caught in the act.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan ultimately determined that the defendant did indeed attempt a burglary.

The prosecution warned against releasing the defendant, considering his history of committing burglaries, one in which he armed with a knife. The prosecutor also mentioned that people staying indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic meant there is a greater chance the defendant could come into contact and engage in a physical altercation with residents should he commit another burglary.

The defense disagreed, but Judge Raffinan chose not to release Pope on account of the danger he may pose to the community.

Pope’s next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5.

Judge Releases Defendant While He Waits for Probation Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge allowed a defendant to be released while he awaits a probation revocation hearing.

Antonio Bennett was found guilty of simple assault in a court trial on Oct. 30. On the same day he was sentenced to 180 days at the DC Jail, which was suspended. He was also sentenced to six months of probation. As part of his probation, Bennett was required to receive drug testing, participate in an employment assistance program, seek employment and participate in community service.

On Feb. 24, a probation violation was issued and a warrant was issued for Bennett’s arrest. The same thing happened again on May 5.

As of the June 19 hearing, Bennett had been in jail for 45 days. On June 5, he filed a motion for release based on the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Judge Julie Becker, Bennett does not have any health conditions that make him especially vulnerable to the coronavirus. However, he was in jail solely on a misdemeanor charge and his criminal history is not extensive.

Bennett also has verifiable and safe housing now.

Judge Becker decided to release him while he awaits his next hearing on July 7. Bennett, whose presence was waived, was also placed on GPS monitoring.

Judge Sentences Woman to Probation for 3 Misd Charges

A woman pleaded guilty to three of five misdemeanor charges.

Omara Hussein pleaded guilty to two charges of simple assault for spitting on a deputy clerk at the DC Superior Family Court’s self held center in 2019 and a special police officer in 2020. Hussein also pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance. She was initially charged with unlawful entry on private property, simple assault, disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and attempted threats to do bodily harm. The other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Hussein was also sentenced on June 18 to six months for the simple assault against the deputy clerk and the possession of a controlled substance charges. The sentences were suspended. She was also sentenced to 56 days for the other simple assault of a special police officer on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW.

Hussein received credit for the 56 days she has already served in DC Jail.

She was sentenced to serve one year on supervised probation with conditions, including mental health screening and treatment, drug testing an treatment, and connection and compliance with the assertive community treatment (ACT) team which provides rehabilitative and crisis treatment along with community support to adults with persistent mental issues.

Hussein says she has an apartment lined up for when she is released through the ACT team.

She also has a stay away order from the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW and an order to not harass, abuse, threaten or stalk the deputy clerk.

Hussein owes $150 to the Victim’s of Violent Crime Act fund. The entire payment is due in one year.

Her victims expressed through counsel that they were more interested in Hussein receiving help for her actions rather than a punishment.

According to the prosecutor on the case, Hussein has a criminal history that extends back to 2014, however, she has not been convicted of any felonies.

She told the judge that she is trying to reconnect with her child who is currently being taken care of by her mother.

Crime Alerts: June 18-19

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts during the evening of June 18 and the morning of June 19.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:40 a.m. for a armed carjacking on the 1100 Block of 11th Street, NW. The crime happened at the intersection of M and 11th Street, NW. Police are looking for a white 2020 X2 BMW with Connecticut tags that is possibly being driven by a black male suspect who is approximately 6’0″ in height and 180-190 pounds.

An alert was sent a few hours earlier at 1:58 a.m. for another armed carjacking on the 1300 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Police are looking for a 2017 white Landrover Evoque SUV with a Tennessee tag: 4M99M6. The first Susie then is a black male with dreads with a Black Lives Matter mask. The second suspect is another black male with a neon hooded sweatshirt and mask. Police believe the second suspect is armed with a gun.

At 1:02 a.m police sent out an alert of a robbery on the 2400 block of 14th Street, NW at the intersection of 14th Street and Chapin Street NW. Police are looking for two black males. The first suspect is short in height with a slim build. The second suspect is tall in height, wearing all black clothing and armed with a handgun. The suspects fled in a black four-door sedan traveling Northbound on 14th Street NW.

An alert was sent at 10:21 p.m. on June 18 for an armed robbery on the 500 block of Q Street, NW. Police are looking for a 2009 black Volvo station wagon bearing the DC tag: FE9809. The vehicle is believed to be occupied by two black males, approximately 6’ in height. One suspect is wearing a yellow long-sleeve shirt and the other suspect is wearing all dark clothing.

At 9:15 p.m. an alert was sent out for a robbery on the 6700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Police are looking for three individuals wearing all black clothing.

The police ask that anyone with knowledge of these crimes do not take any action other than calling 911.

Judge Releases Defendant Despite Noncompliance with Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples released a defendant even though he did not report to pretrial services.

Defense attorney Ralph Robinson said Anton People’s noncompliance was due to fear and an unfamiliarity with the system.

Peoples, 22, has no criminal history. Robinson said his struggles with ADHD may have also informed his failure to appear.

Peoples’ family is prepared to assist with his compliance. He is required to receive an assessment for possible placement in mental health services, be tested for alcohol and refrain from carrying firearms.

Peoples’ is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, carrying a pistol without a license and possessing an unregistered firearm.

On Sept. 28. 2019, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department observed Peoples with a gun. Officers say People’s allegedly placed the gun in a Mercedes Benz Sedan.

An undercover agent also purchased marijuana from Peoples that morning. Police found $708 and 34.74 grams of marijuana on him.

Peoples is currently awaiting a grand jury trial.

Judge Puts Defendant on Supervised Release

DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples released June 18 a defendant under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).

Leon Quarles must comply with GPS monitoring and take a sex offender assessment.

Quarles, 25, pleaded guilty to failure to appear in court and assault with significant bodily injury.

Quarles had initial problems with his probation. He avoided contact with his probation officer, held no stable residence and engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior.

He re-engaged with mental health services and now resides with his child’s mother in Maryland.

Quarles is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 3.

Case Acquitted: Judge Decides to Hold Eight Defendants During Initial Hearings

This case was acquitted on Nov. 9, 2022.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Sean Staples held eight defendants and released six defendants on June 18.

Five other defendants were released because the prosecution did not file charges.

Among those held, include Willie Ash who is charged with assault, contempt and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon in a domestic violence case.

Judge Staples held Ash because he has another pending domestic violence case with the same two complainants. Ash is also not in compliance with his probation. Ash is being held on a $100 bond.

The second defendant being held is Carl Butler. Butler is charged with robbery.

Butler’s defense attorney, Linden Fry, argued that the current case against Butler is not a severe case since no one was injured. Butler also has stable housing and applies for jobs. Fry said that holding him would be worse for the community.

Nevertheless, Judge Staples held him with no bond, citing that Butler has already been convicted of robbery, has two pending first-degree assault cases and he did not successfully complete his supervision.

Clenteous McCoy was held on a possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance charge. Police recovered what is believed to be crack cocaine in his house.

McCoy’s counsel argued for McCoy to be entered into the high intensity supervision program (HISP), due to the fact that he is already doing well in HISP in another pending case.

Judge Staples held McCoy due to his recent pending case, and he said he found a presumption of dangerousness.

Deshawn Ennis was held on for aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Ennis allegedly shot a man in the head after an altercation with him and a group of people because they were found leaning on his car.

Ennis’ defense attorney argued for his release due to the fact that he is gainfully employed at McDonald’s, Five Guys, Office Movers and Sonic. He also noted that Ennis lives with his mother, is paying child support, and has another child on the way.

“He’s not a threat to the community. He’s not a threat to himself,” his lawyer said.

According to the prosecution, there is surveillance video evidence against Ennis and a witness, who is close to the defendant, was able to identify Ennis from the footage.

Mike Bidgell, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed, was also held. Bidgell allegedly shot the victim twice from his car.

Bidgell’s defense attorney argued that the photos used to identify Bidgell were insufficient to positively identify the suspect. The attorney also said that Bidgell could have been driving and the person in the passenger seat shot the victim.

Bidgell has two young children and his two-year old daughter has significant health issues. The lawyer said Bidgell needs to help take care of his children.

Judge Staple cited that Bidgell has another pending case from 2019, and he felt there was a presumption of dangerousness.

Derrick Gilmore was held on armed robbery for allegedly robbing a 7-11 located at 3000 block of Naylor Rd., SE. The suspect was wearing a mask, but three people on the scene positively identified him.

Judge Staple found probable cause and also referenced Gilmore’s past convictions, including two armed robbery convictions from 2014. He is also under community supervision for an unlawful entry case.

Judge Staple held Gilmore with a stay away order from the three complainants as well as the 7-11 on Naylor Road.

Michael Mason is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed and one count of assault with intent to murder while armed.

Mason allegedly shot and killed Brea Moon and Antwuan Roach and assaulted a minor with intent to murder him.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge McKenna found probable cause in all four counts and cited that Mason has prior incidents with firearms. Mason also may have tampered with or removed his GPS monitoring device during the alleged murders.

Mason is being held without bail.

A defendant who has been charged with assault has been released. The defendant attempted to turn himself in multiple times. He must stay away from the 1000 block of 19th St, NE and an individual listed in a stay-away order.

Another man charged with assault has been released. He must comply with a stay-away order and avoid the 900 block of Longfellow St, NW.

A man charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle was also released and must stay-away from a listed individual.

On June 17, a man allegedly failed to charge his GPS device on purpose. He is charged with tampering with a detection device and has been released on personal recognizance.

A defendant charged with unlawful possession of a firearm was released. Judge Staples found probable cause for his case, but did not believe he was a threat to the community because of his lack of a violent history. The man previously had failed to appear in court several times.

The defendant must stay away from Potomac Gardens. He will be escorted by the police to retrieve his property. He is prohibited from carrying firearms or ammunition and must weekly report to pretrial services by phone.

A woman charged with fugitive from justice has been released. She must return to Loudon County and surrender herself to authorities for her grand larceny trial. The county has issued a $1,600 bail on the defendant.

Crime Alerts: June 18

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent was sent at 9:15 a.m. for a robbery on the 6700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. police are looking for three individuals who are wearing all black clothing.

An alert was sent out at 5:54 p.m. for a shooting on the 800 block Southern Avenue, S.E. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

An alert of an armed carjacking was sent at 10:39 a.m. The crime took place on the 200 block of Division Avenue, NE. Police are looking for three black males who are wearing all black clothing and black masks. The suspects were seen operating a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, four-door, blue/green in color, bearing Maryland tag 5EB-1793. The suspects were last seen headed towards Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

DC Judge Schedules Hearing for Murder Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary status hearing for three murder defendants.

Lejeezan Toudle, Elton Wiggins and Devon Stephens are charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Eugene Isaac Jr. on the 100 block of N Street, NW on Feb. 15.

The hearing was scheduled on July 16.

The prosecution agreed to provide witness and detective testimonies related to the case by the time of the next hearing.

According to court documents, on Feb. 15 at around 5:57 p.m., Isaac, 34, was shot while he was in his car with a 9mm pistol. Police later traced the gun to Toudle and arrested him as well the other defendants.

Stephens does not have a hearing scheduled as of June 18.

Judge Releases Defendant From Psych Hospital

On June 18 a DC Superior Court judge released a defendant from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, saying that he will not realistically be sentenced to more time than he has already spent in the psychiatric hospital.

Geovanny Granados-Turcios, 28, was charged with defacing property and the destruction of property less than $1,000 on April 9.

He was placed in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on April 13. Since then, he has been ruled competent and is compliant with his medications, according to his defense attorney, Thomas Engle.

The prosecution opposed Granados-Turcios’ release, citing a burglary charge and re-offenses that occurred within days of his last release from the hospital on April 3.

Judge Jonathan Pittman agreed that Granados-Turcios’ seemed competent enough for release, but does require that Granados-Turcios contact the Pretrial Services Agency in order to connect with mental health services.

Judge Pittman says he is hopeful that Granados-Turcios’ prior conduct was related to his mental condition. He also said that Granados-Turcios would be detained at DC Jail if he re-offends after being released.

Granados-Turcios’ next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16.

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