Judge Sentences Defendant to 9 Months of Unsupervised Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to nine months of unsupervised probation on June 29.

Tiesha McDonald pleaded guilty to simple possession of cocaine. As part of a plea agreement with the prosecution, her initial charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle was dropped.

On March 11, two Metropolitan Police Department officers stopped McDonald, 31, for driving a stolen vehicle. Officers found a bag of cocaine in her possession.

McDonald said she had permission to drive the care, but the owner did not pick up the phone when the MPD attempted to verify.

McDonald said she knew she was holding an illegal street drug, but did not know it was cocaine. “I’m not a bad person. I’m not a criminal,” she said.

“She’s not a drug user,” her defense attorney, Ferguson Evans, told the judge. “She was holding them for someone else.”

Judge John Campbell ordered her to pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund.

McDonald’s charge will be dismissed if she successfully completes her probation.

Judge Releases Defendant to Home Confinement

A DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in a case that involved a shooting, choosing to release the defendant under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).

D’Angelo Phillips was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm on March 5.

After hearing arguments from counsel, Judge Robert Okun ordered that Phillips be screened for home confinement.

All parties agreed that there was probable cause for the unlawful possession of a firearm charge. However, Phillips’ defense attorney Terrence Austin argued that there was no probable cause for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge.

Judge Okun found probable cause for the assault charge, calling his ruling a “close call”. The judge said that while there was probable cause for some of the victims, there was not probable cause for all of the victims.

Judge Okun said he based his ruling on the testimony of the lead detective who spoke on behalf of a responding officer.

According to court documents, on March 5, the responding officer was on patrol in full uniform when he heard gunshots.

The officer said he saw the defendant standing on the west side of the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW. The officer said the defendant was shooting at a group of people standing on the other side of the street.

The police have only named one of the people Phillips’ allegedly assaulted.

Phillips has a prior conviction for attempted distribution of a controlled substance, according to DC Courts.

When Phillips was arrested, officers found a Glock 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun on the ground near him between two vehicles. There was one round in the chamber and another in the magazine.

The gun was reported to have been stolen from the US Marshall Service on Nov. 3, 2019.

On June 29, Austin questioned the lead detective about the use of alcohol by witnesses on the night in question. According to the detective, one witness had a couple of drinks, and another appeared to show signs of intoxication.

Austin also pointed out that one of the witnesses needed glasses to identify the defendant, and it is not known if that witness was wearing glasses at the time of the incident.

Austin requested that Phillips to be released on home confinement with his mother while awaiting trial, pointing out that he helps take care of several family members. Austin also raised concerns about the presence of the coronavirus at the DC Jail.

The defendant has been held in preventative detention for almost three months.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 18 Months of Unsupervised Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced June 29 a defendant on 18 months of unsupervised probation.

According to court documents, on the night of Jan. 6, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested Robert Boddie for distributing marijuana on the 1200 block of Madison Street, NW. Officers found more than 21 pounds of weed, hundreds of cartridges, edibles and a backpack containing around $1,000 in his van.

Boddie, 33, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

“This is kind of a break,” said Judge John Campbell. “It was not half a pound of marijuana.”

The defendant lost his job and needed a new way to support his two young sons after their mother left.

Boddie was informed of a dispatching job that suited his experience. He said he was not aware that the job involved marijuana until he began work. He also said he did not know it was illegal until the officer told him.

“It’s everybody’s responsibility to know the law,” Judge Campbell said.

Boddie has no prior criminal history.

Boddie must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

All Boddie needs to do on probation is obey the law, Judge Campbell said.

Judge Doesn’t Release Man Charged With Assault

A DC Superior Court judge denied June 29 a request for release from a defendant charged with assault with the intent to kill.

On Jan. 13, Juan Galla Jr. allegedly shot and injured two men on the 300 block of Taylor Street, NE after getting into a verbal altercation with them. Galla had been punched in the face by one of the victims before a gun was discharged.

Defense attorney Nikki Lotze argued that her client would not pose a threat to the community once released. She said Galla has a place of residence in Upper Marlboro, Md. She then mentioned that Galla had a job prior to his arrest and his employers have described him as “hardworking and reliable”.

She also said her client is being detained for longer than he deserves because hearings are getting delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lotze also addressed an involuntary manslaughter conviction in 2008, saying the felony occurred when Galla was a minor and that he only received a three-year sentence.

However, the prosecutor said Galla’s manslaughter conviction, even though it happened a long time ago, does not make it any less serious.

She said Galla had been prohibited from owning a firearm, but his most recent case involved him discharging one.

Judge Erik Christian sided with the prosecution, saying all the judges who reviewed the case earlier denied Galla’s release because they thought he could be dangerous.

Galla is scheduled for a hearing on Sept. 23.

Document: Homicide on Mellon Street, SE

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a homicide on the 400 block of Mellon Street, SE on June 27.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting at 12:16 a.m. when they found 22-year-old George Coleman IV, inside of a residence, suffering from a gunshot wound. Coleman was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Coleman resided in Southeast, DC.

The MPD is still investigating this case.

The MPD is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other case in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s text tip line– 50411.

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Document: Homicide on Birney Place, SE

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported a homicide on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE on June 28.

According to a press release, officers responded to reports of gunshot sounds at 12:35 p.m. When they arrived, they found 20-year-old Antwon Duncan suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Duncan resided in Southeast, DC.

MPD is still investigating this case.

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Document: Police Arrest Suspects for Multiple Robberies

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested multiple suspects for a variety of robberies that occurred in June.

A suspect was arrested for an armed robbery offense that occurred on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE on June 26. Earlier that day, the suspect approached two victims, allegedly pulled a handgun and demanded property. After the suspect failed to obtain the property, he fled to a different location, where he brandished the handgun again. This time he pulled the gun on three victims. The suspect took their property and attempted to flee the scene, but one of the victims held the suspect until officers arrived.

Another suspect was arrested on June 24 in connection to an assault with the intent to rob. The suspect entered an establishment in the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on June 24. Once inside, the suspect allegedly assaulted a victim, taking that victim’s property. The suspect was apprehended by responding officers.

On June 23, a suspect was arrested in connection to a robbery that occurred earlier that day. The suspect was charged with the robbery of an establishment. According to the release, the suspect allegedly entered an establishment on the 5500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW and took money from the register.

A 13-year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged on June 22 for assault with the intent to rob. The offense occurred on June 10 on the 1300 block of Upshur street, NW. The suspect allegedly assaulted multiple victims and attempted to take their property.

On June 21, a suspect was arrested for an armed robbery with a knife that occurred on June 8 on the 900 block of Madison Street, NW. The suspect approached the victim and allegedly brandished a knife, demanding property. The suspect fled the scene after the victim complied.

On June 20, a 17-year-old juvenile male and 16-year-old juvenile male were arrested for robbery with force and violence. The suspects allegedly assaulted a victim and stole property earlier that day. The incident occurred on the 900 block of U street, NW.

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Crime Alerts: June 28-29

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out six crime alerts from the evening of June 28 to the morning of June 29.

The most recent alert occurred at 9:43 a.m. on June 29 about a stabbing on the 3300 Block of Wheeler Road, SE. Police are looking for a black male with a light complexion, who is 5’5″ has tattoos on his face, a bald head and wearing a brown jacket with black jeans.

At 1:51 a.m. an alert was sent of a robbery at 4th Street and H Street, NW. Police are looking for a black male wearing a pink and black shirt, who is approximately 40-50 years old and armed with a handgun.

At 1:34 a.m. another alert of a shooting on the 100 block of Blaine Street, NE was sent. Police are looking for three males who are wearing all black. The suspects were last seen going northbound on 55th Street, NE on foot.

At 1:25 a.m. police sent out an alert of a stabbing that could have possibly occurred on the 800 block of Decatur Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

At 11:16 p.m. pm June 28, police sent out an alert of a shooting on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Another alert was sent at 10:34 p.m. of a robbery on the 2200 block of 19th Street, NW. Police are looking for a black male, 5’7″, wearing jeans, a black shirt, and a black mask with “I can’t breathe” on it. The suspect is believed to be armed with a handgun. He was last seen northbound on 19th Street, NW.

Anyone with information on these events should call 911. Please do not take any other action.

Judge Discharges Hearing for Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder

Judge allows woman charged with second-degree murder to remain released on pretrial after noncompliance issues.

Olivia Cole, also known as Tristian Cole, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 24-year-old Joel David Midgett on the 200 block of K Street, NW in October 2015.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann discharged the hearing because all parties agreed that Cole had come back into compliance and is doing well.

Pretrial services said they were in agreement with Judge Herrmann discharging the hearing on June 26.

The Pretrial Services Agency representative said Cole is back in compliance with her requirements, and there was only one small issue regarding her address. She was homeless at one point and is now staying in a local hotel.

Cole was scheduled to appear for the rescheduled hearing on June 26. She was not present in the courtroom, but Cole’s attorney, Ronald Resetarits, said she called him and let him know she was having delays with the DC Metro system.

Resetarits requested that Judge Herrmann adjust Cole’s release requirements to GPS monitoring only with no curfew requirement.

Judge Herrmann said she was uncomfortable changing the requirements since District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman is the judge presiding over her case and knows the details of the case more than her.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause that Cole killed Midgett because a witness was able to identify her.

On May 22, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt also continued an earlier hearing in order to give Cole time to come back into compliance with pretrial release requirements.

Cole’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11.

Judge Doesn’t Send Defendant Back to Jail

A DC Superior Court judge did not send a defendant back to jail despite the fact that he has not been contacting his pretrial representative.

Davon Warren was charged with distribution of a controlled substance on Nov. 6, 2019.

Judge Heide Herrmann let Warren stay out of jail because he has been compliant with his GPS monitoring.

Judge Herrmann also said that Warren must contact his pretrial officer going forward.

Judge Releases 10 of 14 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On June 26, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 10 defendants, holing four defendants during their initial hearings.

Of the 10 released, there was no charges filed against one defendant.

Glenn Dolford is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Raheem Murray several times in the head and body on Feb. 2.

The prosecution noted that there is surveillance footage that shows Dolford standing over Murray with a rifle in his hands. Additionally, the car used during the homicide is believed to be associated with Dolford as there are social media posts that show him with the vehicle.

Dolford’s defense attorney argued that the surveillance footage is not clear enough to identify the murderer.

But, Judge Herrmann said she believes the evidence is fairly strong against Dolford and held him, citing a conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Dolford’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12.

Jonathan Jenkins is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting and killing 25-year-old Richard Mitchell on May 31.

Jenkin’s defense attorney argued that the entire case is based on testimony from a witness who admitted to being under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the shooting. The witness also asked the detectives about reward money.

The prosecution argued that there were other eye-witnesses and that Jenkins allegedly fought with the victim earlier.

Judge Herrmann held Jenkins, citing the seriousness of the alleged offense and the fact that Jenkins was on probation for a robbery and assault with significant bodily injury conviction.

Michael Mayo is charged with second-degree burglary and destruction of property for allegedly breaking into and taking $10,000 worth of alcohol from the Indian restaurant called Le Mirch in Northwest, DC and for allegedly attempting to break a car window.

Judge Herrmann held Mayo, citing that he is on supervision in another pending case that involves a brick being thrown through a window, and that he has bench warrants from multiple jurisdictions.

Maurice Mason is charged with one count of tampering with a detection device for allegedly allowing his GPS to run out of charge. He was also arrested on a bench warrant for being a fugitive from justice out in Maryland for an aggravated assault with a gun charge.

Judge Herrmann held Mason, citing that he has two pending felony cases and is in violation of his probation.

Judge Herrmann released two other misdemeanor cases with stay-away orders.

There were four domestic violence cases, and all were released with stay-away orders. One defendant was also served with a Temporary Protection Order by the victim.

One defendant was charged with being a fugitive from justice. The defendant is a fugitive out of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Judge Herrmann released him to go take care of his outstanding warrant.

A defendant charged with carrying a pistol without a license was also released. The judge said he has another weapons possession offense pending.

She said it was concerning that this sort of thing has happened twice, but she released him because he has no prior criminal history.

The last defendant was arrested for failing to follow his probation requirements. Judge Herrmann released him and set a probation hearing on July 6.

Judge Sentences Man to Nearly 1 Year in Prison

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to nearly one year in prison and 18 months of probation.

Townsend Sowell, 42, pleaded guilty to attempted threats to do bodily harm, attempted stalking, and simple assault. On Jan. 7, he physically and verbally abused his former partner for blocking him on social media. He broke her nose and attempted to call her one hundred times in the middle of the night.

Because he got credit for time served, Sowell has around five-and-a-half months left of his sentence.

The same woman charged him in three previous cases that were ultimately dropped by the prosecution.

The victim said she believes Sowell loves her and their six-year-old daughter, but has “inner demons” he must face. “Moments of mental, physical, and verbal abuse would overshadow the good moments, because they were so bad,” she said.

She said his actions have led her into a depression and emphasized how difficult it has been to “relive the nightmare again.”

Even in jail, Townsend still calls her. However, she said she has felt a sense of security since he has been incarcerated.

“He needs to be placed on a path to healing,” defense attorney Everald Thomas said. “Do we want to wait another six months, or get him on the path right now?”

“Punishment is as important here as rehabilitation,” Judge Julie Becker said. “If anything [punishment] will drive home the seriousness of what he did.”

While Sowell made statements of remorse, Judge Becker found them inconsistent with his previous statements. She said that throughout the trial, he denied, minimized and attempted to justify what happened.

Judge Becker said she was “extremely disturbed” by the case and “seriously considered” giving Sowell straight time with the maximum sentence. However, she said she didn’t want to give up on Sowell and was “not willing to say that people can’t change.”

As part of his probation, Sowell must go through a domestic violence intervention program. He has already been through this program, but the judge said she believes it will be more effective in conjunction with the other treatment.

Sowell will also undergo evaluations and treatment for both his mental health and substance abuse. He is ordered to stay away from the victim and pay $150 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him on June 26.

Keonte Johnson, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while committing a robbery, armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a lisence outside a home or business. He was arrested after a witness identified him by photo.

Johnson is accused of shooting and killing Deandre Hawkins on the 5300 block of E Street, SE on April 22, 2019. According to arrest records, Johnson allegedly struggled with Hawkins over a bag that belonged to the victim.

After the charges were read by DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s clerk, Johnson and his attorney entered a plea of not guilty.

Johnson will next appear in court on Sept. 4 to discuss the status of his case and any evidence that was recovered from the crime scene. He is being held without bail.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Theft

A defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and was sentenced on June 26 to time served. He now awaits additional sentencing for violating the conditions of his supervised release in another case.

Wayne Jones, 25, was initially charged with robbery for stealing money from a Dunkin’ Donuts on Jan. 3. He was using the bathroom in the store when he realized his phone had been stolen. He then asked an employee, who was counting money, to use her phone. He took that opportunity to steal the money she left on the counter.

The prosecution argued that there was video footage of the incident. Investigators also found Jones’ DNA on a water bottle left at the scene.

Joseph Yarbough, Jones’ defense attorney, said Jones was homeless at the time of the incident and that he had a baby on the way.

Yarbough said that his vulnerable situation, coupled with his loss of his phone, an expensive piece of property, had a significant impact on his decision.

Yarbough also argued that Jones’ mental health history played a role in the incident, a notion echoed by both the prosecutor and DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

During Jones’ sentencing, Judge Ryan emphasized the importance of ensuring Jones had access to mental health services going forward.

“In my mind, the greatest thing I could do is get services in place for you,” he said.

Jones had been held in jail awaiting trial since Jan. 9, which amounts to 169 days. Since the maximum sentence for second-degree theft is 180 days, Judge Ryan sentenced Jones to time served.

“It doesn’t seem to me that it is sensible to sentence you to some further period of time in this case when there is practically no time left,” Judge Ryan said.

At the time of his offense, Jones was on supervised release stemming from a 2016 charge of second-degree cruelty to children. He was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act and received 3 years of supervised release, which was set to expire on Feb. 14, one month after his incident in January.

Judge Puts Defendant on Probation for 3 Years

A DC Superior Court judge placed a defendant on three years of supervised probation.

Field Harrison was charged with robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon (knife) outside a home or business on Jan. 28. He pleaded guilty to both charges.

As part of his plea deal with the prosecution, his other charges of attempted threats to do bodily harm and failure to appear in court were dismissed.

Harrison, 22, said his struggles with addiction caused the crimes to occur.

His defense attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, said that five months in jail has removed Harrison’s issue with addiction because jail time has forced him to remain sober.

Jean-Baptiste also said assistance from the defendant’s mom will keep him out of trouble when he is released.

But, the prosecutor disagreed, saying his mom’s lack of stable housing and inability to financially support Harrison will cause issues. The prosecutor said he believed that it would be best for Harrison to remain in jail, where he can continue his education.

As part of Harrison’s probation, Judge Erik Christian ordered him to receive drug treatment and testing. Harrison must also get counseling for his mental health issues and pay a $200 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

Jean-Baptiste recommended Harrison be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which would effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements. Judge Christian chose not to speak on this matter, but is open to discuss it if the Pretrial Services Agency provides a recommendation.

The judge emphasized that these were “serious and frightening offenses that could have ended in the death of the victims or Harrison himself.”

“I’m young, I just want to start my life out right,” Harrison said.

Judge Christian sentenced Harrison to 36 months in confinement with the entire amount of time suspended plus three years of supervised release for his robbery charge. He was also sentenced to 24 months with all of the time suspended plus three years of supervised release for carrying a dangerous weapon. The two sentences will run concurrent to one another.

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