La Plata, MD – Devonte Chase, 33 of Indian Head, was brought into Charles County Circuit Court Tuesday, Sept. 29 before Judge Amy J. Bragunier handcuffed to three other defendants.
His arraignment followed, a four-count indictment for distribution of cocaine, from September 2014 into 2015.
“The court needs to take several things into consideration,” Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney Tiffany Campbell told the court. “The defendant did turn himself in, but there was a warrant out for him. We were looking for him for two months.”
She said his prior history included a reckless endangerment conviction from 2002 when he fired two shots at a residence.
“There was a second-degree assault in 2004 also involving a handgun,” Campbell added. “It was an argument over a parking space.”
The defendant pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and use of a handgun in 2006 and was sentenced to 10 years, five without parole.
“The state would ask for high bond or no bond,” Campbell said.
Defense attorney Melvin Allen said Chase turned himself into police after talking with a detective from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.
“This was done last evening,” Allen said, “After retaining counsel, he turned himself in.
“I know we have to deal with his record,” he added.
Allen said Chase’s 2006 involuntary manslaughter sentence destroyed his family.
“There’s never a moment he hasn’t faced up to it,” Allen said.
Bragunier said she would authorize his release, but bond was placed at $75,000.
Motions were set for Dec. 18. Chase will face a jury trial Jan. 26.
“This is going to be Judge [H. James] West’s case,” Bragunier told him.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com