During a felony status conference on July 21, a domestic violence defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe after an additional charge was added for breaking a stay-away order.
Walter Romero-Ventura, 32, was originally charged with kidnapping while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a kidnapping and stabbing on May 6, 2024, on the 1300 block of 15th Street, NW. Romero was arrested on May 20, 2024,
According to court documents, after the victim got off work, Romero, her boyfriend at the time, approached her at a metro station and grabbed her by the hand and neck. Romero then attempted to force her into a vehicle. When the victim resisted, Romero used a box cutter and stabbed her, threatening to kill her if she didn’t get into the vehicle.
A contempt charge was added to the plea deal in March after Romero called the victim, violating the stay-away order.
After initially refusing the plea offer, Romero’s attorney, Henry Escoto, convinced Romero to accept the deal. Romero pleaded guilty to one count of simple assault and one count of felony contempt. The prosecution will not seek indictment on greater charges but will reserve a sentencing recommendation.
However, Judge Pipe made it clear that given the extreme circumstances of the original case, she could have imposed a life sentence, even though felony contempt is a lesser charge. Under the plea the maximum sentence would be 180 days imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine for his guilty plea
Judge Pipe ordered that the probation department do a pre-sentence report.
Parties are set to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 26.
