DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a carjacking defendant accused in numerous crimes to 60 months in prison on July 11 following a call for accountability from the victim.
On May 12, Eligah Hughes, 35, pleaded guilty to robbery for his involvement in an incident that took place on the 1000 block of F Street, NE on Feb. 25, 2024.
Hughes and a co-defendant, Elias Robertson, 30, were convicted of threatening and stealing a woman’s rental vehicle while she parked it in front of her home late one night.
The prosecution read an impact statement from the victim who could not be present that explained how the incident has affected her daily life. The statement read that the victim was returning home at night and was trying to parallel park when she noticed two individuals on the sidewalk.
The statement said Robertson approached the vehicle and demanded the keys, while threatening her with a knife. She said the defendants would not let her go inside her home, but told her to run. The victim said she ran to a nearby house where she called 911, and 20-to-25 minutes later, police spotted the stolen vehicle in Chinatown.
There, Hughes was identified as the driver and Robertson was found with a knife on him.
The victim said the impact of the carjacking did not end that night, and the crime has affected every aspect of her life. The victim moved apartments, now carries pepper spray, and leaves work before sunset.
“It was a violation of my sense of safety in the world,” the victim’s statement said.
Despite the impact of the carjacking, she ended her letter with a note of compassion for the defendants, yet responsibility for their actions.
“I do not hold on to anger, but I do believe accountability is important.”
The prosecution argued that Hughes has a number of prior convictions, including for burglary, assault, reckless endangerment, and violations of probation. The prosecution added that Hughes has pending charges throughout the South and he is a fugitive probation arrest, arguing that Hughes is not a good candidate for supervision.
The prosecution further argued that Hughes has not expressed remorse and has no regard for the law. In addition, the prosecutor says Hughes is a continued risk to the safety of the community requesting Hughes be sentenced to 78 months in prison and three years supervised release. The prosecution also requested that mental health and drug treatment for Hughes be added to the recommendation of the court.
Hughes’ defense attorney, Anthony Smith, said Hughes has accepted responsibility for his actions and requested the court get Hughes the help he needs. Smith said his recommendation lies in a memorandum sent to the court.
Hughes did not make a statement to the court.
Judge McLean said she considers the conduct of the crime, everything submitted in material, and Hughes’ past criminal record of more than 35 crimes in five jurisdictions.
Judge McLean sentenced Hughes to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. She said Hughes is to undergo mental health and substance abuse treatment.
“Mr. Hughes, I hope you take advantage of some resources for your substance abuse and mental health issues,” Judge McLean said.
No further dates were set.
