Judge Denies Defendant’s Request to be Removed From HISP

A DC Superior Court judge denied June 30 a defendant’s request to be taken off the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

Joshua Massaquoi pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, accessory to murder after the fact and carrying a pistol without a license.

Massaquoi is currently awaiting sentencing. He is in home confinement and only able to leave for specific tasks, such as exercising. He has a curfew and is being monitored by a GPS tracking device.

Massaquoi assisted Mason Binion in the murder of Michael Francis Taylor, a 21-year-old resident of Northeast DC who was killed June 22, 2008 on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW.

According to court documents, the defendants picked up Taylor after he failed to acquire marijuana for which Binion paid him.

Massaquoi drove Binion and Victor Carvajal to pick Taylor up at a recreation center in Silver Spring, Md. He then drove everyone to an alley in the Brightwood Park neighborhood of DC, about five miles away.

Binion and Carvajal stepped out of the car with Taylor. Carvajal, whose subsequent first-degree murder while armed case was dismissed the day before opening statements, was alleged to have struck Taylor in the head with a rock. Binion shot him in the head with a pistol that belonged to Massaquoi.

After Taylor was shot, Massaquoi said he drove everyone back to Binion’s house and then hid the gun in the woods near his sister’s house.

Binion was convicted of first-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing.

According to court documents, Massaquoi approached the police with information about the murder in August 2015, seven years after it took place. He confessed to his role in the murder in the interviews that followed.

Massaquoi has been compliant with HISP since he started the program on March 24. He applied to schools and over 30 jobs during his time at home.

Judge Hiram Puig-Logo was sympathetic to his request, but said GPS tracking is the only type of monitoring available during the pandemic. Due to the virus, the Pretrial Services Agency is currently unable to do drug testing and face-to-face reporting.

Massaquoi’s sentencing was rescheduled from July 7 to Oct. 1. If possible, a virtual sentencing will be held at an earlier date.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant Charged with Robbery and Assault

Judge issued a bench warrant on June 30 for a defendant who failed to appear in court to discuss his inability to keep his GPS monitoring device charged.

Darryn Thomas is charged with robbery and assault with significant injury for allegedly attempting to steal cigarettes from a 7-Eleven located on the 900 block of 17th Street, NW. He also allegedly broke an employee’s ankle by pushing him to the ground when the employee confronted him about stealing the cigarettes.

Thomas failed to appear at his hearing, scheduled to address his loss of contact with pretrial services. He was placed under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) on March 18.

A representative from Pretrial Services Agency said the defendant’s monitoring device stopped functioning on June 4 and Thomas has failed to report to them since then.

Thomas’ defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, said he was in compliance with his monitoring device for several months and suddenly dropped off. She said she is concerned about his well being. She also said she was uncertain whether he received notification about the hearing.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna issued a bench warrant for Thomas, citing his “egregious noncompliance.”

Defendant Incompetent to Stand Trial, Judge Rules

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found a defendant incompetent to stand trial on June 30.

Dominique Thurston is charged with second-degree burglary while armed, carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm.

On Jan. 22, Metropolitan Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence at the Tyler House Associates, an apartment complex on the 1200 North Capitol Street NW, for a burglary in progress.

When officers arrived, the resident expressed concerns that someone was inside the residence, which was supposed to be unoccupied at the time. Police opened the door with the resident’s key and discovered the defendant laying on the couch with a gun next to him, according to court documents.

Evaluations and reports from the DC Department of Behavioral Health concluded that the defendant is incompetent to stand trial, but is working towards becoming competent.

The defendant is being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution. His next court hearing is scheduled for July 27.

Judge Gives Defendant More Time to Follow Probation Requirements

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna rescheduled a defendant’s hearing so that he could come back into compliance with his probation requirements on June 30.

Troy Bolden pleaded guilty to misdemeanor simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon in November 2019. He was released on probation in December 2019.

Bolden was scheduled for a hearing for failing to keep in contact with his probation officer. A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) also noted Bolden’s failure to report for drug testing in March and failure to attend residential treatment, which was also required.

Bolden’s defense attorney, Stephany Reaves, said he was a loss of contact because his phone broke and he was reporting for drug testing prior to the health crisis.

The prosecution said Bolden has since come back into compliance with probation and simply requested that CSOSA give an update on where he stands.

The judge said Bolden has since been placed on GPS monitoring by CSOSA and the defendant’s probation officer said she was unable to get in contact with him after he got his monitoring device installed, even though she called him multiple times.

Judge McKenna decided to give Bolden more time to get back in compliance with his probation requirements, citing that he has taken steps to follow his terms.

She also said her decision to give him time comes from the fact that Bolden’s most recent conviction spans back to 2001 for a distribution felony.

Defendant Found Incompetent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found a defendant incompetent to stand trial on June 30.

Brittney Marshall is charged with unlawful entry onto public property, attempted threats to do bodily harm and contempt.

On Feb. 11, Marshall was arrested for trespassing into a United States Secret Service restricted area at the White House.

There was a sign informing citizens that the area was restricted, but she proceeded to walk in anyway, according to court documents. While being detained and questioned, the defendant said she was going to the White House to meet a friend and did not know the area was restricted.

Marshall was charged with contempt on Feb. 18 after she violated the conditions of her pretrial release by entering the White House Complex despite being ordered to stay away from it.

She was then charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm on Feb. 20 after yelling, “f*** her up and break all the windows out her vehicle” at a woman at the Malcom X Opportunity Center on the 1300 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

The prosecution’s evaluations and reports determined that the defendant is currently incompetent to stand trial, but is making progress towards becoming competent.

Marshall is being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution. Her next hearing is scheduled for July 27.

Judge Denies Defense’s Motion for Release

A DC Superior Court judge denied June 30 defense counsel’s request for their client’s release, scheduling another status conference instead.

Michael Starks was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device on April 22 following an incident that occurred the previous day on the 2300 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

The police arrested Starks after receiving a complaint that he had a firearm with him near his apartment. When officers responded to the scene, Starks attempted to flee into his apartment. He then tried to jump across balconies to avoid being arrested.

Starks previously waived his right to a hearing that would determine if there was enough evidence to move forward with the case because his arresting officers found a gun on his person when he was charged.

Rachel McCoy, Starks’ attorney, requested his release, but Judge Julie Becker denied the motion. McCoy then requested an additional status conference to evaluate the case.

Starks’ next court appearance is scheduled for July 16.

Crime Alerts: June 29-30

Between 8 p.m. on June 29 and 8 a.m. on June 30, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out four crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 6:37 a.m. for a robbery on the 300 block of Tuckerman Street, NW. Police are looking for four Black males. Suspect one is a Black male with medium build, 16-25 years old, 5’7″-5’9″ in height, short bush, wearing a white top and blue jeans. He was last seen in a blue Toyota Avalon with DC tags.

An alert for a shooting went out at 11:25 p.m. on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE. Police do not have any leads at this point.

Another alert for a shooting went out at 10:14 p.m. on the 4600 block of South Capital Street, SW. Police are not looking for anyone specific.

The final alert went out at 8:30 p.m. for a robbery on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Police are looking for a Black male, 5’9″ in height, medium built, with dreads, dark complexion and armed with a black handgun. He was last seen heading east bound on Alabama Avenue, SE towards Branch Avenue, SE in a Gray Cherokee vehicle.

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

Mental Evaluation Scheduled for Burglary Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge granted a defense attorney’s request for a forensic mental exam, which will evaluate if her client is competent to stand trial.

On April 29, Tamer Castle was charged with second-degree burglary for an incident that occurred the previous day on the 1300 block of 9th Street, NW.

Castle’s defense attorney, Angela Ramsey, requested that the defendant be scheduled for a mental exam due to concerns about his mental health.

Judge Todd Edelman granted this request. A hearing to discuss the results is scheduled for July 14.

Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for Burglary Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge granted a defense team’s request for a preliminary hearing.

On April 28, Willie Ingram was charged with second-degree burglary following an incident that occurred April 26 on the 4100 block of Georgia Ave, NW.

During the June 29 hearing, counsel said the prosecution offered Ingram a plea deal. However, Ingram did not want to take it.

Judge Todd Edelman scheduled the preliminary hearing, which will review the evidence and determine if there is probable cause, for July 8.

Judge Releases 24 of 25 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On June 29, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna released 24 defendants and held one defendant at the DC Jail.

Of the 24 released, two did not have charges filed against them. Nine of the cases were for domestic violence-related incidents.

A defendant was charged with simple assault, violation of a Civil Protection Order and destruction of property in a domestic violence case. Judge Juliet McKenna found probable cause and held the defendant, citing two additional cases that involved the same complainant.

Another defendant was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in a felony domestic violence case. The prosecution requested Judge McKenna place the defendant in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), citing the alleged victim has a deep laceration from the incident and will need surgery.

The defendant’s defense attorney argued that she was acting in self defense. The defendant also had three family members present in court, and counsel noted that they will be able to help the defendant comply with release orders. Judge McKenna released the defendant with a stay-away order from the complainant.

One defendant was charged with tampering with a detection device. The defendant was released by Judge McKenna in this matter, but is being held on a parole warrant in a separate case.

Another defendant was charged with a bail violation after he did not show up for his hearing on March 12. The defendant had an underlying charge of second-degree theft. The defendant was released because his failure to appear was on the coincided with the city’s COVID-19 shutdown.

A defendant was charged with driving while under the influence, operating a vehicle while impaired, driving without a permit, and operating a vehicle after revocation. He was released by Judge McKenna, with some conditions. The defendant is not allowed to operate any vehicle without a valid driver’s license, and he must check in with Pretrial Services weekly, until a drug and alcohol assessment can be performed.

Three defendants were charged with carrying a pistol outside of their home or business. Out of the three defendants, two had additional charges that included possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition and receiving stolen property.

Three defendants were charged with being fugitives from justice. All three were released by Judge McKenna per the prosecution’s request with instructions to turn themselves in to either Maryland or Virginia.

Two defendants were brought in on arrest warrants for failure to appear in hearings for their domestic violence cases. They were released with new court dates.

In another domestic violence case, a defendant was charged with assault, second-degree theft and contempt. The prosecution requested a hold, citing a pending misdemeanor case in which the defendant is charged with simple assault involving the same complainant. Judge McKenna released him with conditions. The defendant is required to wear a GPS monitoring device and has a stay-away order because of his criminal history.

Two defendants in domestic violence cases, one charged with simple assault and one charged with simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, were released with no harassment orders for the alleged victims.

Two final defendants involved in domestic violence cases were released per the prosecution’s recommendation. One defendant was charged with stalking and the other defendant was charged with assault and destruction of property. Both were released with stay-away orders from the complainants and associated locations.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Burglary Case

On June 25, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection to a burglary offense that occurred on the 1700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

The defendant, a 51-year-old man with no fixed address, allegedly broke into a store on June 22 and stole nearly $10,000 worth in bottles of alcohol. Five hours later, police found him striking the driver’s side window of a vehicle and cracking the glass. The defendant was identified, but because the offense (destruction of property) was a misdemeanor and the earlier offense had still not been reported, he was not kept in custody and had to be arrested again a few days later.

Video footage of the burglary shows the defendant wearing the same distinctive clothes as he was when he was stopped by police later that evening. A connection that authorities made on June 25.

The defendant was charged with burglary two and destruction of property less than $1,000 on June 26. He is being held without bail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Aug. 12.

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Mental Evaluation Scheduled for Burglary Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge granted a defense attorney’s request for a forensic mental exam, which will evaluate if her client is competent to stand trial.

On April 29, Tamer Castle was charged with second-degree burglary for an incident that occurred the previous day on the 1300 block of 9th Street, NW.

Castle’s defense attorney, Angela Ramsey, requested that the defendant be scheduled for a mental exam due to concerns about his mental health.

Judge Todd Edelman granted this request. A hearing to discuss the results is scheduled for July 14.

Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for Assault Case

On June 29, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for a defendant charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

On April 28, Jarrell Gayden was charged with assault with a gun for an incident that took place Feb. 19 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

Defense attorney Elliott Queen requested a preliminary hearing to review the case’s evidence and determine if there is probable cause. Judge Todd Edelman granted the request.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 13.

Defense Requests Preliminary Hearing for Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for a first-degree murder case.

Knico Wheaton was arrested on April 28 for the murder of 41-year-old Tavon Cox, which occurred on Jan. 11 on the 700 block of 24th Street, NE.

Defense attorney David Richter requested a preliminary hearing in order to review the evidence, which Jude Todd Edelman accepted.

That hearing is scheduled for Sept. 21.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Armed Robbery

On June 28, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect in connection to an assault that occurred on the 4300 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

The defendant, a 31-year-old man, allegedly assaulted a man with a wooden stick inside a Shell gas station. The victim, injured and bleeding heavily from a wound on his head, flagged down officers, who called for medical assistance.

Believing he matched the description of the suspect as seen in video footage of the incident, officers arrested the defendant.

According to court documents, police say the defendant told them the assault was in response to the victim “disrespecting his family.”

The defendant has been charged with simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon. He is scheduled for a hearing on June 29.

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