SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
CRIMINAL DIVISION — FELONY BRANCH
CASE CAPTION: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. TRENITA COLEMAN
CASE NUMBER: 2026 CF3 008039
SUBMITTED BY: Tom Donohue, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (SMD 8A01)
DOCUMENT: VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT

To the Honorable Judge:

My name is Tom Donohue. I am submitting this Victim Impact Statement in a dual capacity: first, as a direct victim of a violent crime committed by Ms. Trenita Coleman, and second, as the elected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Single Member District 8A01, representing the Fairlawn community in Washington, D.C.

I. CONTEXT OF THE INCIDENT: SERVING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

On the morning of April 22, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM, I was out in the community fulfilling my duties as an ANC Commissioner. I was actively gathering input and first-hand observations from residents regarding drug activity inside our neighborhood bus stop shelters—specifically addicts sleeping and smoking inside them. Parents and young children waiting for the bus were routinely being subjected to impressionable, unsafe behaviors. I had called a high-level meeting for that very afternoon with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Crime Suppression Group, and WMATA to push for immediate attention and resources for these bus stops.

While walking down Q Street SE toward Minnesota Avenue SE, I found myself walking behind Ms. Coleman and three other individuals. As I walked, I stepped directly through a heavy cloud of smoke they produced. It was not tobacco, vape, or marijuana smoke—it was a foul, chemical-smelling substance that was utterly disgusting and clearly played a direct role in her erratic and aggressive behavior shortly thereafter.

This section of Q Street SE is a primary walking route for local children. It leads directly to Kramer Middle School

just one block to the right, and Boone Elementary School two blocks away at 2200 Minnesota Avenue SE. Recognizing most of the women in the group, I turned around and said in a light, non-confrontational, and respectful tone:

"Come on ladies, if you are going to smoke, please do it in the privacy of your own home. We don't want kids walking through this on their way to school or subjected to that smell."

The three other individuals turned and walked away in a different direction. However, Ms. Coleman chose to pursue me, following me closely as I walked backward toward the bus stop at 19th Street and Minnesota Avenue SE. I had both of my cell phones in my hand, as I was preparing to record a live video for my Facebook page to demonstrate to our residents that I was taking their concerns seriously and personally inspecting the area.

At that point, Ms. Coleman lunged and snatched both of my phones, stating that I would have to pay her to get them back. I responded, "That's not going to happen," and used my foot to sweep her leg. We both fell to the ground.

While on the ground, I was able to recover my phones. Ms. Coleman then began violently swinging at me, repeatedly striking me across my head, chest, and upper body. She struck my face, knocking my newly obtained glasses off. The impact chipped the lens and popped it from the frame, severely impairing my vision and making it incredibly difficult to find my glasses and dial 911. Even while I was on the line with the 911 dispatcher, she aggressively followed and confronted me into the street before finally retreating. It was a chaotic,  traumatic, and highly dramatic scene in broad daylight.

II. THE GRAVITY OF ASSAULTING LAW ENFORCEMENT & APPROPRIATE PUNISHMENT

Beyond her assault on me, Ms. Coleman stands accused of Assaulting a Police Officer. In Ward 8, police officers are often the very first responders who step into harm's way to protect us and administer Narcan to reverse life-threatening overdoses. When someone physically attacks the officers who risk their lives to save ours, it strikes at the bedrock of public safety. I made it unequivocally clear to Assistant United States Attorney Colin T. Ross that under no circumstances would I ever support dropping an Assault on a Police Officer charge.

Regarding sentencing, I welcome a judicial approach that balances community safety with meaningful rehabilitation, but there must be an appropriate punitive consequence that reflects the severity of her actions:  For the Assault on a Police Officer: A sentence that reflects the absolute zero-tolerance our city must have for violence against law  enforcement officers who are actively serving and protecting the public.

For the Robbery/Assault Against Myself: A sentence that holds her fully accountable for a violent daytime attack on a public official carrying out community safety work, including restitution for the destruction of my prescription glasses.

III. A MESSAGE TO THE COURT: JUDICIAL PARTNERSHIP AND SYSTEM ACCOUNTABILITY

Your Honor, I view the Court as an essential partner in the health and safety of our neighborhoods. Your decisions in cases like this directly shape the daily reality of the streets we live on. When individuals like Ms. Coleman are sentenced and released back into the community, they become reliant on the network of city services, mental health providers, and diversion programs designed to support them. However, without strict monitoring, immediate notification of violations, and swift, decisive responses when violations occur, the system fails the very people who are crying out for help through their destructive behaviors.

Ms. Coleman has been connected with providers such as Prestige Mental Health Services, yet her erratic, dangerous, and high-risk behavior while under the influence has not improved—it has escalated. If our contracted mental health and substance abuse providers are failing to properly supervise, treat, or report clients who pose an ongoing threat, the community needs to know so we can hold those agencies accountable.

I deeply respect and support the difficult job Your Honor and the judiciary face every day. I ask that you exercise that judicial authority to establish strict, unyielding parameters for Ms. Coleman’s sentence:

·       Mandatory High-Structure Treatment & Probation: A strict sentence including no less than two years of probation, coupled with ongoing, rigorous mental health and drug rehabilitation programs under direct judicial oversight.

·       Strict Drug Testing: Mandatory weekly or bi-weekly drug testing with zero-tolerance protocols for unexcused non-compliance.

·       Enforceable Stay-Away / Barring Orders: Ms. Coleman must be strictly barred from the specific locations where her addiction and violent behavior thrive:

·       The 1800 block of Q Street SE (specifically 1810 and 1828 Q Street SE, adjacent to Kramer Middle School).

·       Triangle Park at Naylor Road and Minnesota Avenue SE.

IV. A DIRECT MESSAGE TO MS. COLEMAN

Finally, I want to address Ms. Coleman directly.

Ms. Coleman, your community loves you and wants you to be healthy. I want to see you—and the others you hang out with—get real help and maybe, in return, help others down the road. But above all, I just want you to know that I care about you. Look at where you are today. I know this is not where you want to be, but do you realize that it is the safest place for you right now? Take this time to truly understand the addiction problem you have, how it directly impacts your mental well-being, and stay focused. You should have many great days ahead of you.

If Your Honor places you on a very strict probation of no less than two years with constant drug testing, the Court is setting you up for success. From that point forward, your future is in your own hands. I hope this interaction—I hope that morning you chose to follow me and attack me—ends up changing your life. Please take care of yourself. Let the court know if you don't think you are getting good care from your providers. Stay healthy and fight this; you can overcome it. I hope our paths cross again soon, with you having a story to tell others about how "this white guy" had you arrested —not because he wanted you to be arrested, but because he truly cared about you.

I wish you well.

Respectfully submitted,

Tom Donohue
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
SMD 8A01 Fairlawn, Washington, D.C.

UPDATE: 

So bottom line, she pled guilty to Theft, Attempted Theft, Assault, and Assault on a Police Officer (in a unrelated matter)

 She was sentenced to 360 days in jail—of which she will serve 210 now and have 150 hanging over her head when she gets out. She has served about 100 days already, so has about another 100 to go, minus any time she earns for good behavior. She will then be on supervised probation for 18 months, with stay-away orders for Tom, the 1800 and 1900 Blocks of Q St SE, and the triangle park bounded by Q St, Minnesota Ave, and 22nd St. Drug/mental health treatment etc. will be determined by the probation agency (Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, or CSOSA).