Carjacking Defendant Signs Expletives Instead of Name on Plea Offer

By Maggie Rhoads [former] - July 8, 2024
Carjacking | Court | Daily Stories | Suspects |

Discussions regarding a plea deal turned into a request for a mental competency exam for an unarmed carjacking defendant in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on July 8. 

Ramone Brown, 34, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on Feb. 20 on the 1700 block of New York Avenue, NE. According to court documents, Brown allegedly tried to steal a car from a victim at a gas station. A bystander saw what was happening and forcefully removed Brown from the car. 

Before the hearing, the prosecution extended a plea offer for the defendant’s attorney, John Machado, and Brown to review. 

According to Judge Hertzfeld, the prosecution and Machado signed their legal names on the plea offer, while Brown signed with expletives. 

She then told Brown that she could not accept the paperwork in that condition. Instead of listening to Judge Hertzfeld, Brown talked over her.  

“I signed it and put the f*** you on it,” Brown said. 

Court marshals removed Brown from the courtroom upon the request of Judge Hertzfeld. Brown also called Judge Hertzfeld a “b****” as he was escorted out. 

Judge Hertzfeld requested a mental competency exam because of Brown’s behavior in court during the hearing. 

Parties are set to reconvene on July 11.