DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a carjacking defendant to 15 years incarceration in a July 25 hearing.
James Borum, 22, was originally charged with conspiracy, three counts of armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and receiving stolen property worth $1,000 or more. He pleaded guilty to one count of armed carjacking for his involvement in the carjacking of a black Acura MDX on the 4700 block of Alton Place, NW, on Jan. 12, 2021.
The prosecution asked Judge Pipe to sentence Borum to 15 years in prison. In support of their request, they played 911 audio of the victims and read victim impact statements.
The Acura was carjacked from a family that had just come back from a road trip to New Jersey. The parents had just taken their young children inside the house when the defendant threatened them with a gun and stole their vehicle.
‘We did not Invite violence into our literal doorstep,’ said the victims in a statement read to the court.
“We have decided to move and sell the house we have spent years to be able to afford,” the statement continued.
Borum drove the stolen car at a speed exceeding 200 miles-per-hour until he totaled it, sustaining major injuries, including a broken collarbone. Police apprehended him while trying to flee on foot with the victims’ credit cards.
Borum’s defense attorney, Quiana Harris, asked Judge Pipe to sentence Borum to nine years in prison. She requested that this sentence run concurrently with Borum’s sentence in a separate case for armed carjacking in Maryland.
Harris explained that Borum was formerly a high school basketball player being scouted to play in college. After he witnessed the shooting death of his older brother during the COVID-19 pandemic, Borum experienced mental health issues and was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Harris said Borum was applying for every program offered in DC Jail, including Young Men Emerging, which offers group counseling, one-on-one mentoring, job training and educational programs to inmates aged 18-25.
Borum’s family was present at the sentencing and addressed the court.
“I’m fifty-three years old, and I don’t know if I will ever see my son on the streets again,” Borum’s father said.
Borum also addressed the court, expressing remorse over the incident and hope that he can move forward after serving his time.
“One mistake does not define who I am,” Borum said. “I hope you can show me mercy.”
Borum began to tear up as he detailed how his brother’s death affected him.
“He was my mentor and my role model,” Borum stated.
“This is not an easy sentencing,” said Judge Pipe. “It is clear Borum is not defined by his actions, but it is undeniable how much pain and trauma he left the victims with.”
She acknowledged Borum had a tremendous amount of potential and had shown maturity, but the nature of the case and his choice to commit another offense six months later were concerning.
Judge Pipe sentenced Borum to the mandatory minimum of 15 years, which will run concurrently with his sentence in Maryland. She required him to complete five years of supervised release and register as a gun offender.
At Harris’ request,Judge Pipe allowed Borum to delay starting his sentence until October so he can complete his General Education Diploma (GED).
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 27.
