A shooting and robbery defendant rejected a plea deal that would eliminate over 50 charges against him during a status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 19.
Rodney Bennett, 20, is charged with five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of endangerment with a firearm, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of robbery while armed, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, first-degree theft, robbery, and five counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while Bennett was on release for another matter.
These charges stem from Bennett’s alleged involvement in the following incidents:
- A shooting on Aug. 28, 2024 on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE,
- An armed robbery on Aug. 28, 2024 on the 1300 block of Neal Street, NE,
- An armed robbery on Aug. 29, 2024 on the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW,
- An incident on Aug. 26, 2024 at an unknown location.
Bennett is also charged in a separate case with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Nov. 11, 2025.
At the hearing, prosecutors said they extended an offer that would have required Bennett to plead guilty to armed robbery, robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors would dismiss all other counts and agree to a sentence range between seven-to-10 years.
After the plea was rejected, Judge Ryan granted Bennett’s motion for new counsel.
Parties will reconvene to appoint new counsel on March 26.
