Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.
By
Makie Theodros [former]
- February 19, 2022
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Suspects
|
Victims
|
A DC Superior Court judge agreed to release a child sex abuse defendant from DC Jail with certain conditions in place.
The 23-year-old defendant is charged with first and second-degree child sex abuse for allegedly abusing two victims when they were less than 10-years-old.
On Feb. 18, defense attorney Julie Swaney argued for her client to be released with strict conditions, though the prosecution maintained he would pose a significant danger if released.
Swaney pointed out that the defendant does not have a criminal history but the prosecution alleged he has a serious pattern of this type of crime. According to court documents, one of the victims in this case disclosed multiple instances of sexual abuse.
Regarding flight risk, Swaney noted that her client’s passport has expired, preventing him from being able to use it to flee the country. Despite this, a member of one victim’s family worries there may be someone who could help him do so.
The prosecution said the nature of the alleged offenses are harmful to the victims and their families. Judge Maribeth Raffinan agreed that such a crime is “harmful, hurtful and impactful.” Still, she allowed the defendant to be released to live with a friend who confirmed that no minors reside in the home.
The defendant will be monitored under the High Intensity Supervision Program and must wear a GPS. He is scheduled to return to court for a felony status conference on March 10.