Judge Denies Carjacking Conspiracy Suspect’s Release for Second Time

By Emily Reed [former] - July 25, 2024
Carjacking | Court | Daily Stories | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied an armed carjacking defendant’s request for release during a July 25 court hearing.

Warren Montgomery, 19, is charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of robbery while armed, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Montgomery is alleged to be involved in the sale of stolen and carjacked vehicles, the carjackings having occurred on May 16, 2023 on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW. There are six other individuals identified to be allegedly involved in the conspiracy.

During the hearing, Montgomery’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, renewed his request for Judge Leibovitz to set conditions of release. He argued that Montgomery has been detained since fall of 2023 but won’t be in trial until late 2025, a trial date much later than many of the other co-defendant trials.

LoGerfo stated that Montgomery has strong family support, pointing out that his entire family was present at the hearing and has attended every court hearing in the case. He further argued that Montgomery has almost finished his GED program, does not have a serious criminal history, and will have employment if released. LoGerfo asked Judge Leibovitz to release him to stay with his mother.

The prosecution opposed the motion, stating that conditions have not changed to allow Montgomery to be released from jail. They argued that he was living with his mom at the time of the incident and it did not prevent him from allegedly committing crimes.

They stated that Montgomery is involved in a serious conspiracy case and that the evidence against him is “very strong.” 

In response to LoGerfo’s timeline concern, the prosecution stated that Montgomery has been detained for as long as he has been because “the courthouse is not big enough to try all seven defendants at once.”

Judge Leibovitz denied the motion, stating that the defense’s factors do not overcome the presumption that Montgomery is dangerous. She agreed with the prosecution that the charges are serious, specifying that video footage showed Montgomery pointing a gun at multiple individuals.

Parties are slated to return Sept. 16.