Matthew M. Graves U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
John Brown III, a 32-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been convicted by a jury for assault with significant bodily injury. The incident occurred on July 4, 2023, in Southeast Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department announced the verdict.
The jury delivered its decision on February 25, 2025, after a trial at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Brown was also found guilty of three counts of obstructing justice and seven counts of contempt for attempting to discourage the victim from participating in court proceedings through coercive outreach. Sentencing is scheduled for May 16, 2025, under The Honorable Deborah Israel.
Evidence presented by the government detailed that on July 4, 2023, the victim hosted a game night attended by Brown, who is the father of her five-year-old son. After most guests left, Brown allegedly confronted and assaulted the victim over her past relationship with one of his friends. He reportedly punched and strangled her before being interrupted by another guest who intervened.
Despite a court order prohibiting contact with the victim, Brown reportedly initiated efforts through friends and family to pressure her into dropping charges against him. These actions led to multiple convictions for obstructing justice and violating a Stay Away Order issued by the court.
U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended those involved in investigating the case within the Metropolitan Police Department. They also recognized Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Roessler and Amanda Swanson from the Domestic Violence Felonies Unit for their roles in prosecuting this case.
