WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 26-year-old Washington man has been indicted on 30 criminal counts stemming from an alleged pattern of domestic violence that prosecutors say included child abuse, kidnapping, arson, stalking, robbery, and repeated violations of a court-issued protection order.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Tavante Robinson, 26, was arraigned Monday in D.C. Superior Court on charges related to incidents involving the mother of his children, her friend, and other family members between March 2025 and July 2026.
Robinson is charged with first-degree cruelty to children, kidnapping, robbery, arson, stalking, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession and use of a Molotov cocktail, obstructing justice, contempt of court, and numerous related offenses.
Prosecutors describe escalating violence despite protective order
According to court documents, the investigation began on March 14, 2025, when the children’s mother returned home and found her 4-year-old son with a black eye.
A witness told investigators Robinson became angry with the child while the mother was away and allegedly punched the boy in the face.
“Tavante Robinson allegedly punched his own 4-year-old child, resulting in a black eye,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said.
The victim later obtained a Civil Protection Order against Robinson, but prosecutors allege he repeatedly violated it.
Court documents state that on April 16, 2026, Robinson allegedly kidnapped the children’s mother and their children from the apartment complex of one of her friends and held them against their will for several hours before fleeing after police arrived.
Just four days later, investigators say Robinson returned to the same apartment complex.
Apartment door allegedly set on fire
On April 20, 2026, the D.C. Fire Department responded to a fire at the apartment belonging to the victim’s friend.
Investigators said they found fire damage to the apartment door, damage to an exterior window, and burn marks beneath the window consistent with the criminal investigation.
“Even with a protective order issued against him, the violence continued,” Pirro said. “This behavior has no place in our community, and my office will continue to prosecute anyone who does harm and instills fear in our community.”
A D.C. Superior Court judge ordered Robinson held without bond pending trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 8.
The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Fire Investigation Unit.
Key Points
- Tavante Robinson has been indicted on 30 criminal counts in a domestic violence case.
- Prosecutors allege he assaulted his 4-year-old son, kidnapped his family, and set fire to an apartment connected to the victims.
- Robinson is being held without bond pending trial.
FAQ
Who was indicted?
Tavante Robinson, 26, of Washington, D.C.
What charges does he face?
Thirty counts, including kidnapping, first-degree child cruelty, arson, robbery, stalking, assault with a dangerous weapon, firearms offenses, possession and use of a Molotov cocktail, and contempt of court.
Why did prosecutors say the case began?
Court documents allege Robinson punched his 4-year-old son, causing a black eye, in March 2025.
What happened in April 2026?
Prosecutors allege Robinson kidnapped the children’s mother and their children before later setting fire to the apartment of the victim’s friend.
Is Robinson in custody?
Yes. A judge ordered him held without bond pending trial.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
