Defendant Decides to Keep Lawyer

A defendant withdrew his request to represent himself at trial after going back and forth on the matter several times during a hearing on June 23.

The defendant is charged with armed kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse while armed with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon.

He told a judge that he wanted to represent himself at the start of the hearing. However, such a request would require the defendants to undergo a competency evaluation. He has not had a competency evaluation.

The defendant did not identify himself when DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson asked him to do so, which raised concerns about his mental state.

Defense attorney Andrew Ains said that his client appeared sluggish during the morning, and he wasn’t presenting himself the way he usually does. However, Judge Dayson, who had the defendant in her court before, said “it’s not typical, but it’s not the first time it’s happened.”

The defendant said he believed his lawyer does not want to help him.

After a private conversation, it was announced that the defendant withdrew his request to represent himself. But the defendant reinstated his motion to represent himself shortly after.

A short time later, the defendant decided that he did not want to represent himself, instead asking for a different lawyer.

After that, he changed his mind one more time, saying he wanted to keep Ains, which he called his final decision.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for July 13.

Crime Alerts: June 23

At 1:25 p.m., the Metropolitan Police Department sent out one crime alert for a stabbing on the 1300 Block of Southern Avenue, SE. Police are looking for a black male, approximately 20 years of age, medium complexion, wearing black shorts and a green colorful hoodie.

If anyone has information on this crime, call 911. Do not take any other action.

Judge Grants 4 Stay-Away Requests

A DC Superior Court judge granted four of the stay away order requests on June 23.

All four defendants are required to keep a 100-foot distance from their complainant’s home, school, workplace and vehicle. The defendants are also prohibited from contacting their complainant via telephone, social media or through a third party.

However, in one case, Judge Judith Pipe made some exceptions to accommodate co-parenting.

Three of the cases involved a defendant who repeatedly tried to approach or contact a complainant. The other case involved an assault.

All four stay away orders are temporary and the complainant must come back to court on Aug 25. with evidence to back their claims.

Defense Requests More Time to Review Evidence with Defendant

A defense attorney requested that a judge schedule another hearing, so he could have more time to determine a way to share evidence with his client, who is currently detained in the DC Jail.

Marcus Vines is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions at the jail have prevented defense attorney Kevin Mosley from being able to meet with Vines to review video evidence. Because of this, as well as the fact that Vines has been in jail for around 80 days, Mosley argued for his client’s release.

Judge Julie Becker said that since two other judges, Judge Robert Okun in March and Judge Neal Kravitz in May, denied home confinement and that none of the factors that went into that decision have changed, she could not release the defendant.

Mosley asked for the scheduling of another status hearing, hoping that by the time of the next hearing, he would be able to show Vines the video evidence.

Mosley said he is also concerned that the proceedings will have to continue longer, since it is not possible to show a witness the video while cross examining them.

Another hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4.

Judge Hears 10 Cases for Protection Orders, Grants 7

On June 22, a DC Superior Court judge granted seven out of 10 requests for civil protection orders against potentially violent individuals.

Judge Kimberley Knowles granted a temporary restraining orders for seven people. They will be required to return on Aug. 24 to get civil protection orders in their cases. The temporary order will only last for 14 days.

A man requested an order so that he wouldn’t be abused and harassed from his long-time romantic partner. The man said that, on June 20, his partner demanded money from him, saying he owed her. Protection orders also require a stay away mandate.

When he was unable to pay, she started packing up his belongings, allegedly trying to “damage his property.” He said that she then started scratching him in the face and the chest.

When the police arrived on the scene, they arrested the woman for domestic violence. She has since been charged with simple assault and was released on personal recognizance.

However, Judge Knowles mentioned that the police might not be able to serve the order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting he do so through a trusted third party.

“During these times with COVID and all of the other things happening in the world today, the police are stretched very thin,” she said. “The police aren’t as able to serve people as they were pre-pandemic.”

Judge Knowles warned that if the woman is not served the paperwork, the man’s request for an order might not proceed.

Judge Knowles also permitted the man to return to his partner’s property to retrieve his mail with police escort if necessary on June 24.

Other orders were granted to women who said their significant others were displaying abusive behavior and a woman who said her father was harassing her and her children over property.

In August the persons who were issued the orders would have to appear at a civil protection hearing where a judge would decide whether or not the situation warrants protection for an extended time period. A civil protection order is valid for one year.

Another man said he was sexually assaulted by two men and requested civil protection orders from both of them. When questioned by Judge Knowles, he was unable to provide specific details on the incident, saying he was drugged and could not recall.

Judge Knowles denied his request for the orders, dismissing the case.

Crime Alerts: June 22-23

During the evening of June 22 throughout the morning of June 23, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out four alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 4:12 a.m. for a robbery on the 400 block of 50th Street, NE. Police are looking for a black male wearing a white hooded sweat shirt. A description was not given for the second suspect. The suspects took a 1996 blue Buick Regal bearing unknown temporary Maryland tags.

Another robbery alert was sent at 3:04 a.m. The incident occurred on the 4400 block of Hayes Street, NE. Police are looking for four black males, who are 15-23 years of age wearing all black clothing and occupying a newer model black Lexus GS.

An alert was sent out at 2:15 a.m. for a stabbing that occurred at 2 a.m. on the 3400 block of 14th Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

An alert of a robbery Investigation on the 900 block of L St NW. Police are looking for a black male, who is 6’0″, low haircut, long beard, white shirt and brown pants.

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

Judge Releases 24 Out of 26 Defendants During Initial Hearings

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 24 defendants and held two defendants during initial hearings on June 22.

Dajuan Jones was held on a charge of first-degree murder while armed. The defense attorney for the defendant argued that there is a lot of confusion in the police report and argued that there is no concrete evidence that the defendant had anything to do with the murder.

Jones’ criminal history includes a robbery conviction and he is also a fugitive in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

James Quigley is the other defendant who was held on a charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession with intent to distribute while armed. Judge Herrmann said she decided to hold the defendant, who is also being charged in another open case for carrying a pistol without a license.

A defendant was charged with the violation of a protective order. While Judge Herrmann found probable cause that the defendant violated the location aspect of his protection order, she said he did not attempt to make contact with the complainant. She released him as long as he follows the conditions of the protection order.

A defendant was charged with simple assault on June 22. Judge Herrmann found probable cause, releasing the defendant on the condition that he does not violate a stay away order and appears for his next hearing. The judge said she released him because he does not pose a threat to the public.

A defendant was charged with attempts to do bodily harm and possession of a prohibited weapon. While Judge Herrmann found there is probable cause, she released him on personal recognizance citing that he is not a threat to the public.

A defendant was charged with destruction of property. The prosecution had no objection to releasing him on a personal promise that he would return to court, so Judge Herrmann released him.

A defendant was charged with being a fugitive from Virginia because of a probation violation. Judge Herrmann released him, and though he now has an extradition hearing scheduled in DC, the judge advised that he turn himself in to Virginia authorities to resolve the matter.

A defendant was charged with assault. Because the prosecution did not contest, Judge Herrmann released him on the condition that he did not violate a stay away order from the complainant.

A defendant was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. The prosecution did not object to his release, therefore Judge Herrmann released him on a personal promise to appear at his next court appearance.

A defendant was charged with assault. Judge Herrmann released him on the condition that he not violate a stay away order.

Likewise, a defendant was charged with assault, so Judge Herrmann released him on the condition that he not violate a protective order.

Another defendant charged with assault was released on the condition that he not assault or threaten the complainant.

A defendant was charged with assault and had a bench warrant out for her arrest. Judge Herrmann released the defendant from pretrial detention from all of her cases as the judge did not find her a threat to the public.

A defendant was charged with being a fugitive of Maryland. The prosecution did not oppose his release, so Judge Herrmann released him. Though he now has an extradition hearing scheduled in DC, the judge advised that he turn himself in to Virginia authorities to resolve the matter.

The prosecution did not object to the release of a defendant charged with threats to do bodily harm and destruction of property in a domestic violence case, so she was released by the judge with a stay-away order from the complainant and was also served with a temporary protection order in reference to the same individual.

A defendant charged with one count of misdemeanor sexual abuse for grabbing the behind of the alleged victim was released due to the prosecution’s willingness for release. The man was released with a stay-away order from the complainant and the 800 block of 14th St., NW.

The prosecution did not object to the release of a woman charged with one count of simple assault in a domestic violence case, so Judge Herrmann released her with a stay-away from the complainant and the 400 block of Orange St., SE.

A defendant, charged with assault with intent to commit robbery for allegedly punching a man on the metro and attempting to steal his sunglasses and bike, was released by Judge Herrman.

The prosecution requested the defendant be placed on GPS supervision, but the judge denied the request citing the fact that there is no stay-away from a specific location and that there was no indication that the defendant would be incapable of abiding by the stay-away order from the complainant.

A defendant, charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, was released by Judge Herrmann because the defendant has no criminal history.

A defendant was charged with simple assault in a domestic violence case. The prosecution was not opposed to his release, so the judge released him with a no harassment order in regards to the complainant.

The prosecution did not oppose the release of a defendant charged with simple assault and one count of obstructing, preventing or interfering with reports to law enforcement in a domestic violence case. The defendant was released with stay-away orders from two individuals, the 5800 block of 14th St., NW and no harassment order for another individual.

A defendant was charged with tampering with his GPS device by failing to keep it charged while on probation. There was also a warrant for his arrest for failing to appear for his probation show cause hearing, which was related to the same GPS incident.

The defendant’s defense attorney was able to provide some context surrounding his circumstances. The defendant was kicked out of his house by his mother and was the victim of two different shootings. He was shot in his side in May and shot in his hip in the beginning of June.

He has been homeless since April, but the defense attorney explained that his mother has agreed to have him back home. Because of the extenuating circumstances, Judge Herrmann decided to release the defendant with instructions to report immediately to his probation officer.

A defendant charged with one count of kidnapping was released by Judge Herrmann with stay-away orders from the alleged victim and the 1100 block of 4th St., SW. The judge released him because the only conviction he has is a traffic offense from ten years ago.

A defendant, charged with simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and second-degree theft, was released by Judge Herrmann as the prosecution did not object to his release. He was released with stay-away orders from the complainant and the 900 block of Madison St., NW.

A defendant was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly attempting to slit the throat of the complainant. The defense argued for release because the defendant is the primary caretaker of her nine-year old daughter and the defendant has a heart condition which caused her to have a stroke in October of 2019.

Judge Herrmann released the defendant on complete home confinement citing all of the information surrounding her family and her health.

Judge Tells Defendant to ‘Take It One Day at a Time’

A defendant pleaded guilty and received a 90-day sentence that was suspended on June 22.

Shannon McGhee, 37, was charged with simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000 on March 16.

Prior to the plea agreement and sentencing, McGhee had two open domestic violence cases and multiple violations of probation for two other cases.

He was also arrested seven times in the past two years.

His defense attorneys, Sabitiyu Abou and Chantaye Redmon-Reid, suggested that McGhee’s recent behavior is the result of substance abuse and poor mental health.

McGhee entered into a plea agreement with the prosecution in order to dismiss one of the assault charges and the destruction of property charge. The prosecution also said that they would not use any charges of contempt of court against McGhee.

After the plea agreement was accepted, DC Superior Court Judge John McCabe decided to keep McGhee on probation by sentencing him to 45 days in prison for each assault charge that was not dismissed in the plea agreement. Judge McCabe suspended the confinement time.

McGhee will have to serve 12 months on probation.

Judge McCabe encouraged McGhee to continue his mental health and drug treatment, telling him to strongly consider in-patient drug treatment when facilities reopen.

McGhee said that he was completely committed to his rehabilitation, and that he has already had a “good four weeks”.

He said he has been on a mental health regimen for two months courtesy of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and that the department has an in-patient bed slotted for him once facilities reopen.

McGhee is scheduled for another hearing to review the success of his probation on Aug. 24.

Document: Police Arrest Suspects for Multiple Robberies

The Metropolitan Police Department made multiple arrests for robberies.

On June 16, a suspect was arrested for an armed robbery that occurred on the morning of Feb. 27 on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SW, which is located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of DC. The suspect entered a business establishment, brandished a handgun and stole money from the register. He then fled the scene.

On June 15, police arrested a suspect for an unarmed carjacking. The suspect allegedly pushed a victim off their moped and fled the scene. The 23-year-old man was later apprehended by responding officers. The incident occurred on the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

On June 13, a 17-year-old juvenile was arrested for a robbery that occurred earlier that day on the 1500 block of 15th Street, NE, which is located in the H Street Corridor.

On June 12, another 17-year-old juvenile was arrested for a robbery that occurred on the 5200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE, which is located in the Burrville neighborhood of DC.

According to a press release, on April 9, a victim complied with a man’s demands for property. The suspect used the victim’s vehicle to flee the scene.

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Defendant Put on Probation After Accepting Plea Deal

A defendant was sentenced June 22 to time served and put on probation after accepting a plea agreement from the prosecution.

Ariel Amaya pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, destruction of property, failure to appear before the court and simple assault.

Amaya will be required to receive drug and alcohol treatment, participate in 90 hours of community service and pay $70 in restitution for destruction of property.

Document: Police Arrest Suspects in Homicide and Assault Offenses

Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department arrested two suspects in connection to several homicides and shootings that occurred in 2020.

Michael Mason, 16, a resident of Southeast DC, was arrested on June 17. He is being charged as an adult with first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, assault with the intent to murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon.

The defendant is accused of murdering 21-year-old Brea Moon on April 7 on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

He is also a suspect for the murders of 20-year-old Jaszel Henderson and 31-year-old Terrance Griffin, both residents of Southeast DC, that occurred on May 19.

Mason is also being charged with murder in connection to the death of 18-year-old Antwaun Roach, a resident of Southwest DC, that occurred on May 22.

Mason was allegedly involved in three homicides and six assault offenses that occurred between the months of April and May.

Police also arrested 19-year-old Daquan Jones, a resident of Northeast, DC, on June 21 in connection with a murder that occurred on April 7. He is being charged with first-degree murder while armed.

The cases are still under investigation.

The police is offering up to a $25,000 reward to anyone that provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in 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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Defendant Changes Plea to Guilty

A defendant pleaded guilty after accepting a deferred sentencing agreement with the prosecution on June 22.

Deon Malloy, 39, was charged with simple assault on March 8. She was arrested after getting into an altercation with her daughter.

The agreement states that Malloy must plead guilty to the simple assault charge and complete anger management classes. She must also receive an assessment and treatment for drugs, alcohol and mental health.

If Malloy successfully completes these requirements within six months, she can withdraw her guilty plea and will no longer be prosecuted.

DC Superior Court Judge John McCabe approved the agreement, asking Malloy to return in six months to evaluate her success in completing her requirements.

Malloy is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 22.

Document: Man Dies After Losing Control of Scooter, Police Say

Metropolitan Police Department detectives are investigating a traffic fatality.

The incident took place at about 1:16 p.m. on the 3800 block of South Dakota Avenue, NE, which is located in the Woodridge neighborhood of DC.

According to a press release, it seems like Javon Gilbert lost control of his scooter, struck a curb and was ejected from his vehicle. Emergency personnel transported Gilbert, a 43-year-old resident of Northeast DC, to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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Defendant Reaches Agreement with Prosecution in Weapons Case

A defendant reached an agreement with the prosecution, accepting his role in the crime.

Michael Childress was charged with carrying a pistol while impaired on Sept. 17, 2019.

According to the prosecution, Childress hurt his shoulder while walking home intoxicated. While preparing Childress for a CT scan, hospital staff noticed he was wearing a handgun.

The gun was properly licensed and registered.

As part of the agreement, Childress is required to complete a 12-hour drug and alcohol awareness program, withdraw any appeals he has before the Concealed Licensing Review Board and pay $50 to the Washington Regional Alcohol Program.

By entering into the agreement with the prosecution, Childress initially admitted his guilt but, after satisfactorily completing the drug and alcohol awareness program, the charges will be dismissed. If Childress does not abide by the conditions of the agreement he will receive a sentence.

Judge Danya Dayson accepted the deferred sentencing agreement.

Man Receives Probation for Weapons Conviction

On June 22, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Reginald Clark to 30 days in prison. She suspended the time and ordered Clark to serve nine months on unsupervised probation.

As part of his probation, Clark must register as a gun offender and pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund. The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) must also verify that he has completed the tasks.

On March 15, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer conducted a traffic stop at the 3900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW because of a suspected window tint violation. When approaching the vehicle, the officer found a pistol in plain view on the dashboard. The gun was registered to Clark, who was in the vehicle. However, the gun was only registered in the state of Virginia.

Judge Dayson took into account that Clark took the initial steps of legal gun ownership and that he accepted responsibility for the crime.

Clark only has a marijuana conviction on his record.

Clark did not make a statements during his sentencing.

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