Defendant Enters Into Agreement with Prosecution

A defendant charged with destruction of property less than $1,000 entered into a deferred prosecution agreement.

John Stetes, 25, agreed to complete 32 hours of community service during the four month deferment period. He must also not be arrested on probable cause and comply with a stay away order.

If he successfully completes the requirements, his case will be dismissed.

On Feb. 3, Stetes removed a window screen and punctured another while trying to gain entry into a residence on the 400 block of M Street, NW.

Stetes is scheduled for a status hearing on Dec. 2.

Judge Continues Hearing for Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing for a domestic violence defendant.

In 2019, the defendant received a suspended sentence of 90 days in jail for misdemeanor charge of attempted threats to do bodily harm. He also received 18 months of probation.

The defendant also pleaded guilty to simple assault in a separate domestic violence case on June 9 and was sentenced to 180 days of incarceration, all of which was suspended, plus 18 months of probation.

The Aug. 5 hearing was scheduled to address non compliance with the terms of his probation.

During the hearing, the prosecution said the defendant failed to comply with his curfew in early August, did charge his GPS battery in June and violated a stay away order by visiting his victim in July.

She also said the defendant was allegedly involved in an incident on July 20 in which he allegedly left his mother in her car after it was shot at on their way back from a Domino’s Pizza restaurant.

The prosecution asked that the defendant be held in the domestic violence case.

However, defense attorney Jesse Winograd said what happened during the incident was based on “hearsay.” He also pointed out that a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report on the incident is currently unavailable.

Judge John McCabe said he would release the defendant and continue his case on Aug. 19 in order to give the prosecution enough time to collect information on the new incident.

Defendant Waives Hearing for Misd and Felony Cases

On Aug. 6, a defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing in two cases.

Davonte Brothers is charged with simple assault in a misdemeanor case and assault on a police officer and fleeing a law enforcement officer in a felony case.

Brothers allegedly punched a victim on Sept. 29, 2019, on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE. He also allegedly fled during a traffic stop and damaged a police vehicle on June 9 on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. Brothers was arrested for both incidents on June 9.

The defendant was released on June 15 for both cases. He is currently being held due to a fugitive case in Maryland, in connection to a fatal shooting on March 21.

The prosecution made a plea offer for the DC cases, but Brothers rejected it earlier this week.

DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell scheduled the defendant’s next hearing for Oct. 21.

Defendant Serves Time on Supervised Probation

On Aug. 6, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for possession of a controlled substance.

Delonta Harvey found him guilty by a jury of one possession charge and not guilty of everything else in March. He was initially charged with three counts of possession and two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2018.

Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Harvey to 90 days of incarceration, all of which were suspended. She also sentenced him to nine months of unsupervised probation.

Harvey was released from jail since his presentment in 2018.

Judge Gives Defendant Time to Consider Plea Deal

On Aug. 5, a DC Superior Court judge continued a status hearing to allow the defense time to discuss a plea deal.

Anthony Lamons, 26, is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon for an incident that occurred on June 8 at the Noma Gallaudet Metro Station. Lamons allegedly threatened the station manager after she told him not to “roll” marijuana and to move his phone, which was charging next to a kiosk. He is also accused of threatening responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers and biting one.

During the proceedings, the prosecution said a plea deal was offered. According to the prosecution, the deal would resolve a number of cases in which the defendant is currently involved, including several on which he has yet to be arraigned.

However, defense attorney Adrian Madsen told Judge John Campbell that the DC Jail has made communication with his client “frustrating.”

He said that the last time he spoke with his client, Madsen had to travel to the jail in person. Madsen asked that Judge Campbell schedule a hearing at which his client could appear, so that if they cannot speak and make a decision about the plea deal beforehand, they could discuss it then.

Lamons has been held in DC Jail since June.

Judge Campbell scheduled a hearing on Aug. 7. If he Madsen cannot speak with Lamons before then, an Aug. 11 hearing will allow the parties to discuss the deal.

Crime Alerts: Aug. 5-6

Between 9 p.m. on Aug. 5 and 9 a.m. on Aug. 6, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 11:37 p.m. for a robbery on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Police are looking for four Black males, 15-20 years of age. One of the suspects is wearing a black shirt and one is wearing a white tank top.

If anyone has information about the robbery, please call 911.

Judge Releases Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge released a domestic violence defendant charged with simple assault and threats to do bodily harm.

The Aug. 5 hearing was scheduled to address the defendant’s noncompliance with the terms of his pretrial release.

The prosecution said the defendant visited the victim from whom he was ordered to stay away.

The defendant responded that he did not wish to comply with the stay away order.

“It’s also my house,” said the defendant, referring to the victim’s residence.

Judge John McCabe warned the defendant that he has to comply with the order if he wants to maintain his pretrial release.

“I don’t want you going to jail,” said Judge McCabe.

A status hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request for Release

On Aug. 5, a DC Superior Court judge rejected a defendant’s release request and scheduled a hearing to determine if his case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Mark Chambliss, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for an incident that occurred on May 3 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found a victim on the scene suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper back. They also found Chambliss, who was shot in the leg.

Chambliss has been held in DC Jail since being charged on June 10.

Sellano Simmons, Chambliss’ attorney, argued for his client’s release, saying he was the victim of the offense.

Simmons said his client had his home searched three times as police investigated the incident, and that a firearm was never recovered. He also said his client cooperated with detectives’ investigation, even as they “kicked in” his door to search his home.

The prosecutor opposed Simmons’ request, arguing that the defendant is also involved in another case in which he is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The other case also occurred on the same block.

Chambliss was indicted in that case on March 11 for two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

Judge John Campbell said Simmons’ arguments had been made before and that, regardless of how substantial the defense viewed the evidence against Chambliss, he is accused of two dangerous offenses.

Chambliss is scheduled to appear again in court on Aug. 20 for his preliminary hearing.

Hearing Continues So Defense Can Consider Plea

On Aug. 5, DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell continued a defendant’s felony status conference hearing to Sept. 2.

Tayvon Miles was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers retrieved a firearm from his person on June 12 on the 2200 block of Payne Terrace, SE.

The prosecution said they recently extended a plea offer to the defendant. Clarence Powell, Miles’ attorney, said he will be able to discuss the deal with his client and report back to the judge at the next hearing date.

Miles, 23, criminal history includes a guilty plea for carrying a pistol without a license in 2016.

Crime Alerts: August 5

On Aug. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out four crime alerts for crimes in Washington, DC.

The most recent alert, which was sent at 3:29 p.m., was of a stabbing on the 4200 block of Foote Street, NE at 3:04 p.m.

At 12:46 p.m., the police sent out an armed carjacking alert on the 200 block of Newcomb Street, SE. Police are looking for a 2012 dark blue Chrysler, 300c, 4-door, bearing DC tags: FV8110. The police are also looking for two suspects. The first suspect is a black male, 29-30 years old and 180-190 pounds. The second suspect is a black male with long dreadlocks, light complexion, and is 180-190 pounds. The suspects were last seen on the 200 block of Newcomb Street, SE going towards Malcom X.

At 10:36 a.m., MPD sent out an alert for a robbery (gun) on the 4500 Block of Foote Street NE. Police are looking for three black males. The first suspect is about 270 pounds, wearing all black clothing, a black mask, and armed with a handgun. The second suspect is 120 pounds, wearing all black clothing, a black mask, and also armed with a handgun. The third suspect is wearing all black clothing and a black mask. The suspects were last seen in a Black Honda CRV bearing Maryland temporary tags: 318322T.

A little after midnight police sent the first alert for the day for a shooting on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. A description of the suspect was not available.

Judge Releases Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge released a domestic violence defendant.

The defendant was charged with unlawful entry, second-degree theft, and simple assault on April 22 in a domestic violence case.

The Aug. 5 hearing was scheduled to address a noncompliance issue with the terms of his probation.

The prosecution said the defendant violated a stay away order by visiting his girlfriend, who was the victim. She asked that the stay away order change to a no harassment, assault, threatening and stalking (HATS) order.

Judge John McCabe granted the request.

The defendant’s probation officer also said he failed to report to drug testing in July. Judge McCabe responded that he would be giving the defendant more time to come into compliance.

Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein asked that her client be taken off the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) in an unrelated misdemeanor case, as he has not violated his release conditions.

“Please get this thing off of my leg,” the defendant said.

Judge McCabe said the defense would have to make a request to the judge presiding over that case.

In 2019, the defendant was sentenced to 180 days for simple assault and 90 days for destruction of property less than $1,000 in a domestic violence case, according to DC Courts. Both sentences were suspended in their entirety. He also received 12 months of probation.

Judge Holds 4 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Aug. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held four out of 17 defendants during their initial hearings.

Joshua Foxworth appeared before the court on a bench warrant that was issued on July 31 by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith. Foxworth has underlying charges of first-degree theft and receiving stolen property from an offense he allegedly committed on April 11, 2019.

Judge Herrmann held Foxworth, saying she had spoken to Judge Smith, who requested she hold him.

Ahmed Sellers is charged with contempt of court. He is a fugitive from Maryland, where he is charged with a probation violation. Sellers was on probation in an unlawful entry case, and also has three other pending cases currently.

Judge Herrmann decided to release him in the contempt matter, but held him in the fugitive matter. Sellers decided he wanted to waive extradition, meaning Maryland officials have three business days to retrieve him from DC Jail.

Benjamin Camm is charged of assault with significant bodily injury. At the time of his arrest, he was on release for another assault case.

Judge Herrmann decided to hold Camm, citing his other assault case, long criminal history and conviction in a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) violation case.

Jemell Turner is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business. Turner was on supervision for a pending case with the same charge at the time of his arrest.

Judge Herrmann decided to hold Turner. She cited his pending case and said he was deemed a loss of contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) for some time. She also mentioned she was concerned that Turner was partaking in other illegal activities due to the objects found in his apartment.

One defendant, who is charged with second-degree theft, has been in the hospital since July 20, so Judge Herrmann continued his case to Aug. 6.

Two co-defendants were brought before the court on the charge of distribution of a controlled substance. Judge Herrmann released both defendants with stay away orders.

Another defendant charged with distribution of a controlled substance, along with a defendant is charged with second-degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia were also released with stay away orders.

Two domestic violence defendants were released and ordered to stay away from the victim and place of the incident.

Judge Herrmann released a defendant and ordered him to resolve his warrant in Maryland.

The judge released two defendants charged with unlawful entry, giving one a stay-away order.

One defendant, who had a bench warrant for an underlying case in which he was charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, simple assault and possession of a controlled substance, was also released.

At the request of the prosecution, Judge Herrmann released a defendant charged with assault and ordered him to stay away from the victim and place of the crime.

Another defendant, whose charges are not known due to technical difficulties during the hearing, was released with an order to stay away from the victim.

Bench Warrant Issued for Two Defendants During Extradition Hearings

On Aug. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann oversaw 15 hearings that evaluated each defendant’s fugitive status.

Out of the 15 cases, the prosecution dismissed nine because the defendant had turned themselves in to the demanding jurisdiction.

Judge Herrmann permitted 30-day extensions for four cases at the request of the prosecution, who said that the demanding states had requested the extension.

Judge Herrmann issued a bench warrant for two fugitive defendants who had not fulfilled the court’s orders. One of the defendant’s attorneys said his client may have been detained when he turned himself in.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 8 Months of Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to six months in jail, all of which was suspended, plus eight months of probation.

Anthony Davis pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license on Jan. 28.

During the Aug. 5 sentencing, Judge Michael Ryan ordered Davis, 53, to register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

As conditions of his probation, he must take part in any program recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

The prosecutor said the offense was out of character for the defendant, who always focuses outwards on his employment, family life and community.

Judge Ryan and defense attorney Andrew Ain also said the offense was unusual, given Davis’ kind nature.

“I regret all of it,” said Davis. “It was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done.”

On Sept. 7, 2019, the defendant got into an argument with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer after he kicked a beer bottle in the street. During the argument, Davis brandished a handgun, which he pointed in a downward direction on the 1300 block of Savannah Street, SE.

He fled the scene on foot, but was ultimately apprehended by officers.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant Who Did Not Show for Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who violated his pretrial release conditions.

Darian Bullock is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a prohibited weapon, unlawful entry onto private property and simple assault in three different misdemeanor cases.

Bullock, 31, had previously been a loss of contact with Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) for nearly seven months. During a July 17 hearing, he was given more time to come into compliance with his release conditions. . After that, Bullock regained contact with the PSA.

However, Bullock failed to appear in court for a July 31 hearing that was scheduled to address the status of his compliance.

Joseph McCoy, Bullock’s attorney, told Judge Julie Becker that his client is still homeless. McCoy said that, while the defendant is able to hold on to phone numbers fairly well, he often has difficulty holding on to his records.

McCoy also pointed to the recent slew of serious thunderstorms in the DC area from the past few weeks as a reason why he may not have come to court.

Bullock was also required to maintain mental health treatment. McCoy said he has been in regular contact with the wellness center where he receives treatment.

The prosecution, who argued in the previous July 17 hearing for the judge to issue a bench warrant, took up the same position. The prosecutor once again referenced Bullock’s most recent offense, a June 27 incident in which he allegedly assaulted a man with a wooden stick inside a gas station on the 4300 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

Judge Becker said she found the details of the defendant’s most recent offense particularly concerning.

However, she said that if McCoy is able to get back into contact with his client, he is free to walk himself into the court and avoid being held in detention.

“I hope you can get him to come in,” Judge Becker said.

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