Neighbor News
Homeless man found guilty of indecent exposure in shopping center
Man with lengthy criminal record will serve three years of supervised probation
A D.C. man charged with lewd behavior in a Hyattsville shopping center pleads innocent in court Friday.
The judge found the man guilty of trespassing, assault and indecent exposure at a Chillum Road Shopping Center in July.
A security guard at the shopping center encountered Darvelle K. Hall, 36, near the CVS at approximately 12 a.m. on July 11, 2018. The security guard saw his pants at his thighs and his hands moving in front of them in a masturbatory manner. The guard reported Hall to be slurring his words and he called police for back up in getting Hall to cooperate.
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Hall testified in Prince George’s County District Court that he was trying to vacate the area, on his way to the Metro. “I was scared, so I kept walking. They send me down on the curb.”
Police reported that Hall cursed at the officers, saying “leave me the f--- alone,” and repeatedly threatened and attempted to spit on them as they arrested him.
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Hall received charges for misdemeanor trespassing, disorderly conduct, intoxicated public disturbance, indecent exposure, second degree assault and failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order.
Hall pleaded “Not Guilty” on account of every charge.
“‘No Trespassing’ signs were not conspicuously posted. If Hall were able to afford a car, and were driving through the parking lot, he would not have been arrested,” said Hall’s attorney.
In defense of Hall’s “masturbatory gestures,” Hall’s attorney also explained that he was instead adjusting his pants, as he normally wears them low and has to pull them up.
Hall has a lengthy criminal record; he first received charges for disorderly conduct, public disturbance, trespassing and alcohol drinking in a retail parking lot in 2004. He is currently homeless and has a 4-year-old daughter, according to Hall’s attorney. This arrest caused him to lose his job as a janitor.
Hall will serve three years of supervised probation for trespassing, second-degree assault and indecent exposure.
The judge also ordered Hall to complete alcohol and drug evaluation testing, and forbade him to visit the area again.
