Sex Abuse Defendant Seeks Bureau of Prisons Facility Change

By Bersabel Ephrem [former] - February 15, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault |

A defendant charged with sexually assaulting three woman expressed discontent with issues he is having with getting placed into a facility that could provide him with mental health treatment.

The 44-year-old defendant allegedly sexually assaulted three women in separate attacks that occurred between 2003 and 2007. The defendant is charged with 22 counts, including assault with the intent to conduct first-degree sexual abuse while armed.

“Just like you said, I am tired too. This is my life,” the defendant said. “I will be getting all parties to send certified letters to the court about my mental issues. I am not about to be sent to a place to sit and die. This is about justice. Equality.” 

The defendant was already convicted and sentenced in 2015 in another case. He is currently assigned to the Hazelton Federal Correctional Institution located in West Virginia. He is sentenced there until 2030.

During the Feb. 15 hearing, defense attorney Howard McEachern said he wasn’t able to move past the last hearing’s issues in regard the defendant wanting to be in a facility that will help him with his mental health issues. 

McEachern said he spoke with the defendant on two separate occasions after the last hearing and that the defendant is still frustrated that McEachern cannot promise him that he will be going to a facility that’ll help provide him with treatment. 

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt told the defendant that she cannot order placement in a Bureau of Prisons facility, but she could make recommendations. However, even with a recommendation, placement isn’t promised. 

“I understand his concerns, I hear him, I just don’t have the power to solve his concerns,” Judge Brandt said. 

According to court documents, on July 3, 2003, the defendant allegedly attacked and sexually assaulted a victim in her home. A day later, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted another victim in a stairwell of her apartment building. 

In September of 2007, the defendant allegedly attacked another victim and sexually assaulted her in her apartment building. 

He is currently being held in DC on a $5,000 cash bond. 

The defendant is also facing charges for first-degree child sex abuse.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 27.