Shooting Defendant Faces Probation Revocation Due to Noncompliance

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On Oct. 2, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe delayed a ruling on a shooting defendant’s probation revocation due to his new arrests in two other jurisdictions and a possible outstanding warrant.

On Oct. 22, 2021, Cesar Morales, 29, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, prisoner escape and possession of an unregistered firearm/unlawful possession of firearm or destructive device. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW on Aug. 25, 2017.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested for the original sentence to be imposed because of the numerous re-arrests and a long history of criminal activity. They cited his probation officer’s statements that he has pending cases and an outstanding warrant in two other jurisdictions.

Bruce Cooper, Morales’ attorney, requested his probation be terminated and deemed unsuccessful.

Judge Pipe ordered a continuance of this hearing in order to gather more information on the cases outside of this jurisdiction before making any concrete decisions.

A bench warrant, issued by DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on May 15, was executed on Oct. 1 for Morales as he had failed to appear for his probable show cause hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 9.