Judge Changes Supervision So Sex Assault Defendant Can Go to High School

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt modified the hours of a sexual assault defendant’s supervision program, allowing him to continue to attend high school.

On Aug. 1, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a call and found the defendant, 18, and the complainant in a parking lot on the 1500 block of Rhode Island Avenue NW. The complainant was barely conscious.

When officers viewed surveillance footage that showed the defendant moving the complaint behind a vehicle and bending her over, according to court documents.

A witness told police that the defendant looked as if he was having sex with the complainant.

Officers detained the defendant and called the Sexual Assault Unit, who arrested the defendant. Officers found several of items of the complainant’s property on the defendant, including a multicolored clutch and rings, the documents stated.

The defendant was charged the next day with fourth-degree sex abuse and robbery.

At the Thursday hearing, defense attorney Joseph Yarbough requested that the defendant be allowed to go to school and finish his high school diploma.

The prosecutor opposed the motion, saying it had not been long enough to be sure the defendant would be safe re-entering the community.

However, Judge Brandt granted the motion, permitting the defendant to leave his house between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the weekdays. The defendant is also permitted to leave between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends.

“This is your one and only chance,” Judge Brandt told the defendant, saying if he broke his curfew once she would have him detained at the DC Jail.

“Be conscious of the fact that even if it’s mom or dad, it’s the bus, whatever it is, if you’re not home at 5:30, you’re the only one that’ll be put in orange,” Judge Brandt said.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 31 for a felony status conference.

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