Judge Continues Preliminary Hearing for Sex Abuse Defendant

By Bersabel Ephrem [former] - February 8, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued a preliminary hearing for a 2022 sex abuse case.

The 24-year-old defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse on Dec. 12, 2022, on the 3000 block of 16th Street NW.

According to a press release, the victim was standing near a bus stop when the defendant allegedly approached her, brandished a handgun and made the statement, “suck my dick.”

The accuser said that despite her refusal, the defendant kept brandishing the pistol and making attempts toward her sexually. She claimed that he was exposing his penis while lowering his pants with his other hand.

During Wednesday’s hearing, defense attorney Charles O’Banion asked to reschedule the hearing to review the plea offer.

O’Banion also asked Judge Raffinan to grant his client’s release, saying the defendant has never had any history of assaults.

But, the prosecutor objected to release, arguing that the firearm that was on the defendant at the time of the arrest was obtained illegally.

She also stated that he has another case in Georgia that is pending. That case involves methenamine, driving without a license, and possession of marijuana.

“The defendant has no history of assault conduct but the conduct that is charged here is extremely serious and poses a danger to the community,” she said.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the prosecution and rejected O’Banion’s request for release.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 22 to give the defense time to consider a plea offer.