DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced an armed carjacking defendant to five years in prison on Feb.10.
On Jan. 26, 2024, Ricardo Banos-Flores, 27, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business. The charges stem from Banos-Flores’ involvement in a carjacking that took place on the 700 block of 11th Street, NW, on Sept. 13, 2018. The victim of the carjacking was unharmed.
The prosecution read the victim’s impact statement during the hearing. The victim expressed how afraid they were during the carjacking, stating they see gang members in their sleep and had nightmares for weeks following the event.
Rachel Cicurel, Banos-Flores’ attorney, requested that Judge Lee sentence him under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows young defendants’ convictions be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
Cicurel said that Banos-Flores is one of the most productive inmates at the DC Jail. She described him as a painter, an avid reader, and a brilliant writer. She explained that he is clearly remorseful for what he did and is not a danger to the community.
The prosecution opposed sentencing Banos-Flores under the YRA, stating that he was the one who held the victim at gunpoint during the carjacking and stole the victim’s belongings. They also noted that he was not compliant during release.
Judge Lee stated that over the course of the case, Banos-Flores was released and the same conduct happened, which the defense argued was more than five years ago. Judge Lee stated that he would rule on the YRA at a later date.
Prior to sentencing, Judge Lee gave Banos-Flores the opportunity to speak, asking him about what changed from the time he committed the carjacking to now.
“Sitting down in a cell, all you have is your thoughts,” said Banos-Flores, “I had to deal with a lot of trauma from my past.”
Judge Lee sentenced Banos-Flores to four years for assault with a dangerous weapon and 364 days in prison for carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business. He stated that the sentences would be served consecutively and that the defendant will be on supervised release for three years following incarceration.
No further dates were set.
