Thomas Venable, 59, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a Superior Court jury on March 12 of charges related to holding his case worker hostage in his apartment in September 2025, according to a March 13 announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case highlights the dangers faced by social workers and service providers during routine visits with clients. The incident involved threats and weapons, raising concerns about safety protocols for those working with vulnerable populations.
According to government evidence presented at trial, Venable's case worker from Friendship Place—a group that helps homeless individuals—visited his apartment on Connecticut Avenue NW for a scheduled monthly check-in. When the victim knocked on the door, Venable answered holding a metal pole and accused Friendship Place of taking his Bitcoin and not helping with a bedbug problem. He refused to let the case worker leave until he called his supervisor; when the supervisor did not answer, Venable picked up an axe and threatened the victim, saying there was "no way you're leaving this apartment unless it’s in a million little pieces" and "I’m going to jail or I’m going to hell, and I’m not going back to jail." After tense negotiations, the supervisor returned the call and convinced Venable to release the victim. Venable was arrested the next day and has remained in custody since.
Venable was convicted of one count of armed kidnapping, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and related weapons offenses. Sentencing is set for May 29 before Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.
Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined Pirro in announcing the verdict. The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Augustin Horner.
The outcome underscores ongoing risks faced by frontline workers assisting vulnerable residents in Washington.
