A Superior Court jury delivered a guilty verdict Friday against 59-year-old Thomas Venable of Washington, D.C., following a violent standoff with his case worker last fall.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the conviction, which includes charges of armed kidnapping, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person.
The incident occurred on September 29, 2025, in the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue NW. Venable had been living in the apartment with housing assistance from Friendship Place, a local organization dedicated to supporting formerly homeless individuals.
According to evidence presented at trial, the victim—a case worker who had been visiting Venable monthly for half a year—arrived for a routine check-in at approximately 12:30 p.m.
When the worker knocked, Venable opened the door, holding a metal pole. The situation escalated as Venable accused Friendship Place of stealing his Bitcoin and failing to address a bedbug infestation in his home. Venable blocked the exit and refused to let the victim leave until a supervisor was reached by phone.
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When the supervisor did not initially answer, the government’s evidence showed that Venable became enraged and armed himself with an axe.
As the victim attempted to escape, Venable ordered him to “sit the f**k down,” adding that there was “no way you’re leaving this apartment unless it’s in a million little pieces.” During the confrontation, Venable reportedly stated, “I’m going to jail or I’m going to hell, and I’m not going back to jail.”
The standoff ended after the victim’s supervisor returned the call and successfully negotiated for the worker’s release.
Venable was arrested the following day and has remained in custody ever since. He was found guilty on all counts on March 12, 2026. Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe has scheduled his sentencing for May 29, 2026.
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