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.

Judge Declares Murder Defendant Incompetent

A DC Superior Court judge declared a murder defendant incompetent to stand trial.

Alisa Randall is charged with second-degree theft and the second-degree murder of Ronald Jones. Randall allegedly stabbed Payne on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NW on July 15, 2019.

Randall’s competency to stand trial was last evaluated on April 17 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution. While her doctor deemed Randall competent, the defense argued that her progress has plateaued and she still possesses great deficits in rationality and role identification in the courtroom.

Randall’s defense called for a suspension of the case on the grounds that she likely will not show substantial progress or competency within the foreseeable future.

However, the prosecution and Judge Neal Kravitz agreed that Randall could eventually become competent with the right medication and mental services.

In previous hearings, the defense and prosecution located a point of contention between a Supreme Court decision in Jackson v. Indiana and a local DC statute. The decision and the statute offer somewhat differing interpretations of the amount of time given to a defendant in order to witness substantial improvement in competency to stand trial.

The prosecution and defense also disagreed on how long Randall’s next restorative period should be. The defense argued that Randall should be evaluated in a month, while the prosecution proposed that Randall be evaluated after six more months at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC psychiatric institution.

Judge Kravitz eventually decided to re-evaluate Randall’s competency in two months. Randall will remain in St. Elizabeth’s in the meantime.

Randall is scheduled appear in court again on Aug. 14, when Judge Kravitz will further evaluate her competency.

Judge Postpones Murder Defendant’s Release from Psych Hospital

On June 18, a DC Superior Court judge postponed the Department of Behavioral Health’s request to release a defendant from DC’s psychiatric institution until he is deemed competent.

Bratrell Hawkins, 27, is charged with second-degree murder with a firearm in the shooting death of Xavier Tate, which occurred on the 1400 block of 3rd Street, SW on Jan. 5.

Hawkins was deemed competent to stand trial on March 9. However, his defense attorney, James King, said Hawkins should remain at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for further evaluation.

King’s motion was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

The Department of Behavioral Health also motioned for Hawkins’ release from St. Elizabeth’s in early May, but Judge Kravitz denied the motion.

Hawkins’ competency will be examined again through a series of interviews that will conclude on July 6. Judge Kravitz said that it would be beneficial to keep Hawkins in St. Elizabeth’s in order to examine whether his competency faces any challenges.

Hawkins is scheduled for another hearing on July 10 to discuss the status of his competency.

Judge Changes Defendant’s Release Conditions from Home Confinement to Curfew

On June 18, a judge decided to change a defendant’s release restrictions.

Harry Brown is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in a felony domestic violence case.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Sean Staples switched Brown from home confinement to the high intensity supervision program (HISP) with a standard curfew.

Brown was original scheduled for a hearing for violating a home confinement restriction multiple times between March 16 and June 14. A notice of noncompliance was submitted on June 17.

The defendant’s legal counsel, Stephany Reaves, told Judge Staples that she and the defendant were not aware that he could not leave his house.

Brown’s defense attorney read her notes from an earlier proceeding in which a judge said that Brown’s home confinement would not be permanent. She said she was also unaware that he could not leave his house at all.

She acknowledged that the official court documents did say that Brown would be in constant home confinement, but she argued that Brown was also unaware of his inability to leave his house.

On June 15, the defendant has been allowed to attend a funeral.

According to his defense attorney, this is the first time Brown has been arrested and he now understands what he needs to do to stay in compliance, though the restriction is a hardship.

Brown has a daughter to take care of and has been working odd jobs to bring in money. Brown’s job, which is working for a faith-based organization, was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prosecutor on the case said that Brown has been given a total of seven warnings for his continued violations.

But, the prosecution agreed with Brown’s counsel surrounding the hardship of home confinement and requested that Brown be placed under HISP, which has a standard curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Brown is scheduled for another hearing on Oct. 8. His case is currently pending grand jury.

Judge Issues Warrant for Defendants Failure to Appear

Man failed to appear at his hearing and District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Sean Staples issued a no bond bench warrant for his arrest.

Judge Staples said Ralph Wesley already has a warrant out for his arrest from another pending case from 2017.

In this case, Wesley is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into El Rincon Espanol Restaurant, located on the 1800 block of Columbia Road, NW and attempting to steal bottles of liquor from the basement.

Wesley was arrested alongside another suspect who was also seen inside the restaurant.

Wesley has been issued two notices of noncompliance having to do with his release requirements, which includes a stay away order.

Judge Releases Defendant in Domestic Violence Case

A DC Superior Court judge released June 18 a man charged with simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Victor Negron has been detained since May 9. He is accused of punching his wife in the face and threatening to kill her family.

The prosecution told Judge Maribeth Raffinan that Negron has a history of committing crimes against his victim, including assault and attempted arson. He was also said to have violated his probation for a previous case.

Defense attorney David Vega noted that his client’s past transgressions are a result of him suffering from major depression. Vega requested the defendant’s release because Negron suffers from asthma. Remaining in jail would make him susceptible to contracting COVID-19, Vega said.

The victim told the judge that Negron has not been taking his medication and has been drinking alcohol profusely. She indicated she would like the defendant to be released and promised to help him seek mental health services.

Judge Raffinan said Negron’s probation could not have been well enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant was placed on GPS tracking and given an order to not harass, stalk, or abuse the victim.

Negron is scheduled for a status hearing on July 6.

Judge Cancels Hearing After He Couldn’t Reach Defense Counsel

A hearing was cancelled when the defense attorney did not show and attempts to contact her failed.

Michael Grayton pled guilty to attempted possession of liquid PCP. On March 9, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, six of which were suspended.

On June 4, Grayton filed a motion for compassionate release in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He suffers from asthma, which can put him at a higher risk for serious complications if he gets the virus, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Grayton was scheduled for a post disposition status hearing on June 18. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun said there was a “realistic possibility” he would have resentenced Grayton to time served plus fourteen days, the typical quarantine period.

Grayton’s defense attorney, Donna Beasley, did not show up to the hearing. No parties were able to contact her. Around a half hour after the hearing was scheduled to begin, Judge Okun decided that the hearing should be rescheduled.

Judge Okun asked if there was any way to put Grayton is quarantine today so as not to push his possible release date further into the future, but was told it could not be done. He apologized to Grayton, telling him that he would try to get a release date for him. Judge Okun said he would try to get the earliest date possible.

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