Judge Issues Warrant After Defendant Fails to Appear

On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a defendant who failed to appear for his hearing.

Brandon Devaughn is charged with robbery and burglary for an incident on Feb. 22, 2019, on the 3900 block of Benning Road, NE. He allegedly robbed a store at this location with two other individuals. Devaughn has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On July 15, Davaughn was supposed to be present for a hearing addressing multiple notices of non-compliance with HISP from June 19 and July 10.

The defendant has already had multiple bench warrants filed for his arrest after failing to appear in September 2019 and January 2020.

On Jan. 8, the defendant was released to a High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Devaughn is scheduled for a hearing on Oct. 8.

Defendant Sentenced to Time Served

On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to time served after he reached a plea agreement with the prosecution.

Donnell Wilkinson pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and attempted threats to do bodily harm. As part of the plea deal, his other charges of contempt, unlawful entry and a bail violation were dropped.

Judge Ronna Beck sentenced the defendant to time served at the request of the defense and the prosecution. Both parties cited Wilkinson’s previous inability to comply with probation conditions in the past.

The defense also mentioned Wilkinson’s blood disorder that puts him at higher risk for COVID-19.

Wilkinson said he knows he needs mental health services. Judge Beck suggested that he connect with the Public Defender Service.

“I hope you can get some help and we won’t see you back again,” Judge Beck said.

Wilkinson was arrested on April 28 for stealing items from an establishment on New Jersey Avenue, SE, threatening to kill an employee for getting in his way and fleeing the scene, documents state.

Judge Continues Hearing at Defense’s Request

On July 15, a DC Superior Court judge agreed to continue a defendant’s hearing to Aug. 18 so that the defense attorney could have more time to review the prosecution’s plea offer with his client.

William Cox is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition in a 2018 case. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in March.

The prosecution has offered Cox a plea deal to resolve his outstanding cases. Defense attorney Albert Amissah said his client is very interested in the deal, but would like to review the case’s evidence before he accepts it.

Judge Ronna Beck granted the defense’s request with no objection from the prosecution.

On March 26, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were attempting to bust a narcotic operation, according to court documents. When they knocked on the door of Cox’s apartment, one of his children answered and the officers could clearly see a firearm in close proximity to the child. They then obtained a search warrant and recovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and multiple unregistered firearms.

Cox was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) while awaiting trial in his 2018 case but was held in DC Jail for his more recent charge.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Homicide on Birney Place, SE

After about two and half weeks, officers were able to arrest a suspect in connection to a homicide on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.

According to a press release, 19-year-old Diamante Butler, a resident of Southeast, DC, was apprehended for allegedly shooting 20-year-old Antwon Duncan on June 28.

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Crime Alerts: July 14-15

Between 9 p.m. on July 14 and 9 a.m. on July 15, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 6:56 a.m. for an armed robbery on the 2200 block of Cathedral Avenue, NW. Police are looking for five Black males between the ages of 18 and 20. They were last seen driving a black Cadillac bearing DC tags BY3456 towards Rock Creek Parkway.

Another alert for an armed robbery was sent at 6:41 a.m. on the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Police are looking for six Black males between 18 and 20 years of age, driving a black sedan Cadillac.

A crime alert for an armed carjacking was sent at 5:01 a.m. on the 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE. Police are looking for a 2017 silver Ford Fusion bearing DC tags GF7176. The car is believed to be occupied by four Black males wearing dark clothing. One of the men is wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and is believed to be armed with a knife.

An alert for a shooting was sent at 1:33 a.m. on the 600 block of O Street, NW. Police are looking for an unspecified vehicle in relation to the shooting.

The final alert was sent at 10:54 p.m. for a robbery on the 2700 block of 10th Street, NE. Police are looking for four Black males wearing masks driving a black four door bearing DC tags FZ3552.

If anyone knows anything about these events, please call 911.

Judge Schedules Another Hearing for Carjacking Case

On July 13, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a carjacking and robbery case has enough evidence to go to trial.

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

Williams is being tried as an adult.

Judge Ronna Beck scheduled the hearing for July 22.

According to court documents, around 2:46 p.m., one of the suspects displayed a handgun and demanded the keys to a black Chevy Malibu the victim was renting. The victim complied and the suspects fled the scene in the vehicle.

A short time later, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located the stolen vehicle and apprehended the defendants. Officers found a handgun in the car.

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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