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By
Ashley Brown [former]
- September 27, 2022
Court
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Daily Stories
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Sex Abuse
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Sexual Assault
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Suspects
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Victims
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On Sept. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a sex abuse defendant to five years in prison for assaults against two women.
Kenneth Pollard, 55, pleaded guilty to third-degree sex abuse, second-degree burglary, and misdemeanor sex abuse for two incidents in which he inappropriately touched two women. On June 14, 2020, Pollard approached a woman and grabbed her buttocks and thighs at a bus stop on the 3400 block of Capitol Street, SE.
Over a year later, on Aug. 31, 2021, Pollard targeted another woman at a bus stop on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He grabbed her from behind and put her into a chokehold. Surveillance footage showed the victim fleeing to a nearby business and the defendant following her inside the business and dragging her outside.
When determining the sentence, Judge Raffinan recognized Pollard’s history of substance abuse and childhood abuse but also noted the “irreversible damage” he caused both victims, especially the victim involved in the Minnesota Avenue incident.
Outside, he groped her breasts, and unbuttoned his pants, exposing his penis, and shouting, “You’re gonna have my baby,” court documents stated.
Bystanders intervened and helped diffuse the situation.
The prosecution described this attack as “animalistic” but stated that the defendant was under the influence, which was evidenced by “his glassy eyes.”
Pollard’s defense attorney, William Alley, said his client’s substance abuse issues stemmed from years of homelessness and childhood abuse.
Pollard issued an apology to the judge and victim for his “disrespect towards women.” He also said he was not aware of his actions at the time as he was under the influence of PCP, a hallucinogenic drug. Pollard expressed his desire to seek drug treatment and mental health therapy.
The victim involved in the Minnesota Avenue was not present; however, her attorney stated that she quit her internship and is unable to revisit the area where her attack occurred.
As part of his sentence, Pollard is required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.