Suspect in beating claims harassment

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

A man accused of beating and robbing an 83-year-old sidewalk vendor in a videotaped attack has become the victim of harassment in the D.C. Jail, his public defender said yesterday.

James A. Dorsey, 46, has been held since his arrest May 7.

Defense lawyer Larry Kupers filed a request yesterday for Mr. Dorsey's transfer to the Correctional Treatment Facility, or CTF, saying his client is being harassed and needs treatment for a drug problem.

CTF is next to the D.C. Jail in Southeast.

It was not clear when the judge will rule on the request.

Mr. Dorsey is accused of punching and kicking to the ground an elderly woman known as "Grandma," in a brazen daylight robbery May 3 near George Washington University.

The victim's name is being withheld because she is a witness in a criminal case.

The attack was recorded by a security camera at the woman's apartment complex. Police released the grainy black-and-white video, which generated tips from the public.

The victim -- a familiar fixture selling trinkets outside the Foggy Bottom Metro station -- sustained injuries to her nose, eyes and head.

The transfer request came at a felony-status conference in D.C. Superior Court, where Mr. Dorsey appeared in an orange jumpsuit and sneakers, with shackles on his wrists and ankles. His head was shaved clean and he wore a mustache.

A grand jury investigation is under way, said prosecutor Jonathan Haray, who requested another status hearing July 27. Judge Wendell P. Gardner Jr. granted that request.

Mr. Dorsey is expected to be indicted around that time, Mr. Haray said.

Authorities said Mr. Dorsey confessed to the crime, giving details only the perpetrator could know.

Mr. Kupers has questioned Mr. Dorsey's interrogation by the Metropolitan Police Department. He filed a subpoena Friday requesting records of Mr. Dorsey's custody and treatment.

A previous judge cited Mr. Dorsey's criminal record -- 59 charges since 1984, including armed assault -- in ordering him held without bail last month.