Defendant Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to Time Served

On Aug. 5, a defendant pleaded guilty to destruction of property.

Jeremiah Littman, 31, threw a brick into the windshield of a police cruiser that was parked outside the 6th District Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Police Station on the 5000 block of Hayes Street, NE on April 16. According to police, Littman said that she was homeless and did not want to sleep on the street.

Littman’s attorney Edward Joseph clarified during the proceedings that Littman had an outstanding parole warrant, and she wanted to turn herself in so that she would have somewhere to sleep. However, the police station did not have the warrant on file and refused to take her in. Joseph said the offense that she committed was out of self-preservation.

“This was the only thing in her mind at the time,” Joseph said. “This is the reason she did what she did.”

Littman has been held in DC Jail since her arrest.

Due to the significant amount of time Littman had spent in jail while awaiting trial on a misdemeanor charge, DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell sentenced her to time served. She did not receive any probation time.

The prosecution requested that Littman pay some amount in restitution to the MPD for the damage she caused to the police cruiser. However, Judge Campbell did not order any.

“I don’t think that imposing restitution for the cost of damage to a police cruiser is appropriate given the circumstances,” Judge Campbell said. “The police likely have some insurance of some sort.”

However, because of the parole violation, Littman will not be immediately released from DC Jail.

Defendant Receives Probation for unlawful entry and property destruction

On Aug. 5, a defendant pleaded guilty to four charges in two different cases.

Michael Mayo, 51, pleaded guilty to unlawful entry onto private property, second-degree theft and two counts of destruction of property worth less than $1,000. He was originally charged with second-degree burglary, destruction of property and simple assault.

Judge John Campbell sentenced Mayo to 60 days of inccarceration for each charge, nearly four months. He suspended the time. Judge Campbell also sentenced the defendant to nine months of probation for both his felony and misdemeanor cases. The terms of probation are concurrent.

Mayo also received credit for the time he has served at DC Jail while awaiting trial. He has been held in jail since June 26.

Both the prosecution and Kevin Parke, Mayo’s defense attorney, argued that the significant amount of time hanging over Mayo’s head would motivate him not to reoffend.

On March 30, Mayo threw a brick and a bottle at windows of the Jamaican Embassy on the 1500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW, damaging them. Later, on June 22, he committed two separate offenses: prying open the window of a business on the 1700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW and stealing nearly $10,000 worth of alcohol. He was later caught by police as he struck the driver’s side window of a car, for which he was also charged.

Due to limitations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Campbell did not order Mayo to participate in any court-mandated treatment programs. However, he indicated that Mayo could benefit from both substance abuse and mental health treatment under normal circumstances.

“I have a lot of mental health issues, and I will be addressing them when I get out,” Mayo said.

“Please do, Mr. Mayo,” Judge Campbell said. “Please do.”

Mayo is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 15 to address the status of his probation in another case in which he pleaded guilty to destruction of property worth less than $1,000 in March and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and one year of supervised probation.

A notice of noncompliance was filed on July 1.

Defendant Waives Right to Hearing

On Aug. 5, a defendant waived his right to have a hearing to determine if his case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Anthony Owens, 40, and his co-defendant, Johnnie Burke, are charged with assault with intent to commit robbery for allegedly attempting to kidnap and rob a victim on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on April 15. An uninvolved subject shot at both of the defendants, causing them to be wounded.

Owens and his attorney, Everald Thompson requested that the case be returned to the Judge Michael Ryan, who was previously overseeing it.

Judge Ronna Beck granted Thompson’s request.

Owens is scheduled to appear in court again on Oct. 30. He is currently being held in DC Jail.

Judge Waits to Schedule Preliminary Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge decided that she would wait to schedule a preliminary hearing because the defendant has not been tested for COVID-19 yet.

The defendant is a 36-year-old man who is charged with assault with the intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse.

He is accused of grabbing a woman’s private parts on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE on May 29. When the victim refused to have sexual relations with him, he allegedly assaulted her before a witness stopped him

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith said the Department of Corrections (DOC) has not yet given her client a COVID-19 test. Still, she asked that a preliminary hearing begin as soon as possible.

Judge Danya Dayson said the defendant must wait to undergo testing before he could be scheduled for a preliminary hearing because he could still infect people at the jail if the hearing is remote.

She also said she did not have the right to change any “institutional rules.”

Document: 2 Men Die from Fatal Shooting in Carver Langston Neighborhood

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the death of two individuals from a shooting that occurred on Aug. 4.

According to a press release, officers found 18-year-old Montrell Lucas suffering from a gunshot wound inside an apartment building located on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

He died on the scene.

Officer also located 28-year-old Jakeem Chandler, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the hallway of that building. The individual succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

A juvenile was also located at the scene. The juvenile suffered from a gunshot wound, but it being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Police say the shooting occurred inside the apartment.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that has information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide 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: Second Arrest Made for Child Sex Trafficking

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives and FBI special agents announced that a second arrest has been made for offenses including child sex trafficking that occurred throughout DC.

A 37-year-old resident of Clinton, Md. was arrested for sex trafficking of a minor, conspiracy to sex traffic a minor, conspiracy to transport a minor for sexual activity, use of a facility of interstate commerce in aid of racketeering activity and tampering with a witness on Aug. 2.

On May 1, 2019, a 27-year-old male resident of Clinton, Md. was arrested for sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and obstruction of justice.

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Crime Alerts: Aug. 4-5

Between 9 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 9 a.m. on Aug. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 12:48 a.m. for a shooting on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

Another alert was sent at 9:45 p.m. for a shooting on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The third and final alert was sent at 9:30 p.m. for a confirmed shooting on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

Police do not have descriptions of the suspects in any of the cases.

If anyone has information about these incidents, please call 911.

Judge Schedules Next Hearing for Burglary Defendant

On Aug. 4, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a defendant’s next hearing.

Willie Ingram, 47, is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly throwing a rock through an establishment window on the 4100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on April 26. He then allegedly stole various items from the establishment.

Ingram’s attorney, Charles Murdter, said the prosecution extended a plea offer at the end of April. However, Ingram rejected the plea and indicated that he was not interested in continued negotiations.

Murdter also said that Ingram was under the impression he would be able to live with a relative if he was released. However, after checking with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA,) Murdter found out that the relative would be unwilling to do so.

Murdter asked if Judge John Campbell could schedule another hearing in order for Murdter to have more time to contact his client. Judge Campbell granted Murdter’s request.

Ingram will return to court on Oct. 16 to discuss how to proceed with the case.

Judge Declines to Release Juvenile Charged With Murder

On Aug. 4, a judge declined to release a juvenile from detention even though he has been under good behavior since he has been held.

On July 4, a 36-year-old man was shot multiple times outside a McDonald’s in Washington, DC. He was still alive when police responded to the scene and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he died from his wounds.

The decedent has been identified as Antonio Gardiner from Oxon Hill, Maryland.

The child was arrested on July 8 and charged with first-degree murder for Gardiner’s death.

During a hearing on Aug. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld heard arguments from the defense as well as the prosecution on several issues.

The parties first discussed the possibility of a plea deal. The prosecution stated a plea offer was still under negotiation and would hopefully be presented to the respondent soon.

Judge Hertzfeld then heard from both sides regarding a motion by the prosecution to conduct a buccal swab for potential DNA evidence in connection with the homicide.

The prosecution said they wanted to test the respondent’s DNA in order to compare it to potential DNA evidence that may come from the firearm, which has not been tested yet.

Judge Hertzfeld said sufficient evidence needed to be presented from the prosecution that the gun will likely provide DNA evidence of the respondent’s guilt in order for her to grant the motion to test the respondent before the gun results come back from the lab.

Prosecution said the gun in question was confirmed to be involved in the shooting on July 4 as shell casings found in the vicinity were matched to the gun. They also stated the gun was recovered on July 6 on a path the respondent was on while fleeing the police.

The respondent reportedly ran away from the police, and the prosecution said this should be enough to suggest the gun will have DNA on it as it was a “hot day in July.” When questioned further by the judge, the prosecution said the respondent must have been sweaty and that his sweat should be on the gun since he must have carried it before disposing of it.

The defense, represented by Christen Philips and Kevin O’Sullivan, said the prosecution’s argument was a stretch and said they did not cite any studies that would confirm that sweat would lead to usable DNA evidence. They said touch DNA is always low quality and may be unlikely to produce usable, comparable results and, therefore, the respondent should not be tested until after the gun has been tested.

Judge Hertzfeld sided with the prosecution, granting their request for a buccal swab in conjunction with the gun.

Finally, Judge Hertzfeld heard from both sides regarding the respondent’s location, pending his next hearing. The defense requested the respondent be released on either 24-hour home confinement or at a community-based youth shelter house, citing his complete compliance where he is currently held, which is in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ (DYRS) custody.

The prosecution said the situation is too dangerous, citing the fact that the respondent reportedly did not know Gardiner and that this was a “cold-blooded killing.” They said, “facts here really do not support any change in the respondent’s placement.”

Judge Hertzfeld decided to keep the respondent in DYRS’ custody, citing he was on supervision when the homicide occurred and was subject to conditions of the court that he did not follow.

The respondent is scheduled for a trial date of Sept. 21 but is unwilling to have his trial remotely, and Judge Hertzfeld said it would most likely be pushed back due to the pandemic if he continues to be unwilling to hold it by video conference.

A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20 to further discuss potential DNA evidence and considerations for a virtual trial.

Judge Schedules Next Hearing for Domestic Violence Defendant

On Aug. 4, a DC Superior court judge scheduled a felony domestic violence defendant’s next hearing.

The defendant was charged with aggravated assault knowingly on May 11. He also currently has two other cases open, in which he is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of a prohibited weapon and simple assault.

Defense attorney Lauckland Nicholas, said that the prosecution extended a potential plea offer earlier on that day. He also said that the potential offer encompasses all three of the defendant’s pending cases.

Nicholas requested another hearing date so he could discuss the terms of the agreement with his client.

Judge John Campbell granted Nicholas’ request. The defendant is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 11 to continue discussing the potential plea agreement.

Judge Schedules Hearing for Domestic Violence Defendant

On Aug. 4, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled hearing to determine if a felony domestic violence case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon on June 8.

Defense attorney Sabitiyu Abou said that she has not received a plea offer from the prosecution yet. The prosecutor said one could possibly be extended.

Judge John Campbell scheduled the hearing e on Aug. 25.

Judge Places Defendant on GPS Monitoring

On Aug 4, a DC Superior Court judge released a defendant, placing him on GPS monitoring.

The defendant is charged with unlawful entry, violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO), simple assault and contempt in a domestic violence case.

Defense attorney Sean Coleman requested that his client be released to live in his sister’s home.

The prosecution did not oppose the motion, but asked that the defendant be placed on GPS monitoring due to the violent nature of the crimes. The prosecutor cited concerns over the safety of the victim, who has seven children and uses a wheelchair.

Judge John McCabe released the defendant due to how long he’s been incarcerated. “He deserves a chance out in the community,” he said.

The defendant has been held at the DC Jail since June 27. According to court documents, the defendant was rearrested for unlawful entry, violation of a CPO and contempt. He was held in DC jail from June 27 up until the Aug. 4 decision. He was also held from May 5 until June 19.

Conditions of the defendant’s pretrial release include: weekly contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and participation in mental health services as recommended by MBI Health Services, a certified behavioral health agency servicing the DC metropolitan area.

Judge McCabe gave the defendant a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Judge Holds Four Out of 18 Defendants During Initial Hearings

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 14 defendants and held four defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings on Aug. 4.

Joavon Thompson, charged with being a fugitive from justice, was held in order for Maryland to pick him up from DC Jail. He has an underlying charge for homicide so Judge Herrmann said she was not comfortable releasing him.

Mark Molden, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (marijuana) while armed, was also held by the judge.

Molden’s defense counsel asked for his release, citing his limited criminal history and the ongoing pandemic; however, Judge Herrmann held Molden, saying that possessing a firearm after a conviction of carrying a pistol without a license is serious.

Santos Barrera was held on a fugitive from justice charge where he is wanted in Maryland for aggravated assault. Barrera was also charged with a felony for violating bail. Judge Herrmann released him on the bail case and held him on the fugitive charge in order for Maryland authorities to collect him from DC.

The final defendant held was a woman charged with aggravated assault in a domestic violence case. Though the defense requested her release, Judge Herrmann held the woman, citing her lengthy criminal history, the fact that she is on supervised release in multiple cases and the severe injuries the victim sustained.

Of those released, one defendant did not have charges filed against him and was released.

Another defendant was released in error by DC Jail.

There were six additional domestic violence cases. Five were released with stay-away orders from the complainants and one was given a no harassment, assaultive, threatening or stalking (HATS) order.

One defendant, charged with being a fugitive from justice, was released with orders to turn himself in to Maryland authorities.

Judge Herrmann released four additional defendants charged with misdemeanors involving sexual abuse, unlawful entry, assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and tampering with a detection device. Two of the defendants were given stay-away orders.

Two final defendants were released.

One was brought in on a bench warrant from 2017. His case was dismissed by the prosecution.

The other defendant has been in the hospital for over a week and continues to be there, so Judge Herrmann moved his hearing to tomorrow.

Murder Defendant Requests Change in Attorney

A murder defendant requested a new attorney on Aug. 4.

Malik Coles, 24, and his co-defendant, Duan Garmany, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing 28-year-old Christopher Payne on June 30, 2019, on the 1400 block of W Street, NW.

During the hearing, Coles asked DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell to let him switch the attorney representing him. Coles’ original attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, did not object to the switch, saying that Coles wanted to change attorneys because he is frustrated with the pace of his case.

“She has not done an effective job in communicating with me,” Coles said.

Judge Campbell granted Coles’ request. He said Judge Todd Edelman will assign Coles’ new attorney.

Coles is scheduled to appear in court again to receive his new attorney assignment on Sept. 4. Garmany is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 27.

Judge Grants Defendant’s Request for New Attorney

A DC Superior Court judge granted a defendant’s request for a different attorney.

The defendant, 26, is charged in multiple cases for simple assault, sexual abuse, threats to do bodily harm and bail violation.

“I need a new f***ing lawyer to hurry the f*** up in my case,” he said. “I need you to find what the f*** is going on in my case, I’ve been waiting all this time. You talk the same f***ing thing over and over.”

Judge Michael Ryan kicked the defendant out of the courtroom call after he ignored the judge’s requests to stop yelling.

Defense attorney Hannah Akintoye said she could continue representing the defendant, whose case she did not want to be delayed more by a change in counsel.

However, Judge Ryan decided the defendant’s repeated requests and negative lawyer-client relationship merited a new attorney.

The defendant was found mentally incompetent to stand trial on Dec. 19, 2019, and Jan. 21, but was declared competent on Feb. 20.

During the Aug. 4 hearing, Judge Ryan ordered he receive a mental health screening. He ordered one on July 24, but it did not happen.

The defendant has been held since Oct. 15, 2019. Akintoye said her client’s sickle cell anemia places him at a high risk for COVID-19. However, he refused to attend his bond review hearings on April 28 and April 30.

Akintoye also accepted the prosecution’s request to admit body-worn camera from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) as evidence.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2019, the defendant allegedly spat on an MPD officer on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE. He was charged with simple assault.

When he was a patient in the psychiatric ward at the United Medical Center, he allegedly grabbed a social worker and punched her in the face repeatedly on July 26, 2019. He yelled, “White b****! Kill you all,” among other remarks. The defendant was charged with simple assault for the incident.

On July 31, 2019, the defendant allegedly asked a woman to kiss him on a train at L’Enfant Plaza Station. When she refused, he forcibly tried to kiss her. She pushed the defendant away, who then allegedly spat in her face and yelled, “go back to Africa!” He was charged with sexual abuse and simple assault.

The defendant is also charged with the bail violation for failing to appear for a hearing on Sept. 4, 2019.

He is charged with simple assault and threats to do bodily harm.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 3.

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