DIAVION HUTCHINGS, Obstruction of Justice, Connecticut 2020

DIAVION HUTCHINGS, also known as “Avi,” 19, of New Haven, was sentenced to two years of probation for obstructing justice, a crime that has been plaguing communities nationwide. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven, Connecticut, after Hutchings pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice on June 29, 2020.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2019, the New Haven Police Department conducted a video-recorded interview with an individual who had just been arrested. During the interview, the individual provided information that led to the state arrest of Hutchings' significant other (“L.W.”). A copy of the interview video was provided to L.W.'s lawyer.

In April 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against the individual whose interview was video recorded. On April 24, 2019, Hutchings viewed the interview video at the office of L.W.'s lawyer, and recorded at least 15 separate portions of the interview using her iPhone. Hutchings transmitted portions of the recordings that she made of the interview video to others via text message and through the use of Facebook Live. In those transmissions, Hutchings communicated threats of harm toward the individual who provided information about L.W.

Hutchings was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 3, 2019. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez and Sarah P. Karwan prosecuted the case.

The case against Hutchings highlights the dangers of obstruction of justice, a crime that can have severe consequences for individuals and communities. By obstructing justice, Hutchings put herself and others at risk of harm, and undermined the integrity of the justice system.

The outcome of the case serves as a reminder that those who commit crimes will be held accountable. Hutchings' sentence of two years of probation is a significant consequence for her actions, and serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in similar behavior.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/new-haven-teen-who-obstructed-justice-sentenced