DC Man Admits Abusing Daughters, Threatening Officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A 33-year-old man from Washington, D.C. has admitted to a horrifying pattern of abuse, pleading guilty to first-degree child sexual abuse of his 14-year-old daughter and attempted first-degree child sexual abuse of his 12-year-old daughter. The man, whose name is being withheld by authorities to protect the victims, also confessed to threatening two Special Police Officers. The plea deal, announced by U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, carries a proposed 14-year prison sentence.

The depravity of the sexual abuse is chilling. According to the government’s investigation, the defendant had been systematically abusing his older daughter for the past year, and his younger daughter since she was approximately eight years old. The details revealed in court documents paint a disturbing picture of manipulation and control. On or around September 1, 2016, the defendant sexually penetrated his 14-year-old daughter while at her mother’s home. A month later, on or about October 2, 2016, he coerced his 12-year-old daughter into performing a sexual act on him.

The younger victim’s response – “No” – when asked if she “liked” the act, highlights the forced nature of the abuse. Disturbingly, the girls only learned the full extent of the abuse when the defendant, in a twisted attempt at remorse, apologized for his actions, revealing that both had been victimized. This prompted the daughters to confide in their aunt, triggering the investigation that ultimately led to the man’s arrest. The bravery of these young women in coming forward is commendable.

The case isn’t limited to sexual abuse. On April 29, 2016, the defendant was barred from a homeless shelter in Northeast Washington. Undeterred, he returned on August 29, 2016, and immediately confronted two Special Police Officers, demanding to be allowed inside. When told to leave, he escalated the situation, returning moments later brandishing a knife and threatening to fight and stab the officers. Only the quick response of the officers and the arrival of the Metropolitan Police Department prevented a potentially deadly confrontation.

After multiple orders to drop the weapon were ignored, the defendant walked away, where he was apprehended by MPD officers. The separate incident further demonstrates a clear pattern of violent and threatening behavior. The Superior Court of the District of Columbia will hold a hearing on March 17, 2017, to determine whether to accept the plea agreement and impose the 14-year sentence.

U.S. Attorney Phillips praised the diligent work of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Investigations Division and the MPD’s Fifth District in both cases. He also recognized the contributions of Paralegal Specialist Angelina Slagle, Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danny Nguyen and Maryam Adeyola, who tirelessly investigated and prosecuted this case. This conviction sends a message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated and that those who prey on the vulnerable will be held accountable.

RELATED: Alabama Investigator Admits Jailhouse Assault

RELATED: Guard Accused of Sex Assault at Brooklyn MDC