Thomas Venable, 59, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a Superior Court jury on March 12 of charges related to holding his case worker hostage in his apartment in September 2025, according to a March 13 announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case highlights the dangers faced by social workers and the serious consequences for those who threaten their safety while performing their duties.
Venable was convicted of one count of armed kidnapping, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and related weapons offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for May 29 before Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.
According to government evidence presented at trial, the incident occurred on September 29, 2025. Venable’s case worker arrived at his home on Connecticut Avenue NW for a monthly check-in as part of services provided by Friendship Place, an organization that assists homeless individuals. When the victim knocked on the door, Venable answered holding a metal pole and accused Friendship Place of taking his Bitcoin and not helping with a bedbug problem. He refused to let the case worker leave until he called his supervisor; when there was no answer from the supervisor, Venable became enraged and picked up an axe. The victim attempted to leave but was ordered by Venable to stay inside under threat. After negotiations and a return call from the supervisor, Venable allowed the victim to go free. He was arrested the following day and has remained in custody since then.
Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined Pirro in announcing the verdict. The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Augustin Horner.
The outcome underscores law enforcement’s commitment to protecting service providers working with vulnerable populations.