DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a non-fatal stabbing defendant to one year in prison on April 17.
Alexis Rivera, 21, pleaded guilty on Feb. 3 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing a person in the thumb while attempting to shoplift on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on Dec. 6, 2025.
The prosecutor requested Rivera be sentenced to two years imprisonment. He noted that Rivera committed the stabbing one day after being released from jail in Maryland where he was arrested for a similar crime. The prosecutor also requested Rivera be placed in a rehabilitation program.
Rivera’s attorney, Michael Rist, said Rivera was shoplifting to fund his opioid addiction. Rist said while Rivera had been arrested in the past, he was never convicted of a crime. He also said Rivera has been sober for five months.
Rist said Rivera’s addiction began when he smoked what he thought was marijuana but it turned out to have a crushed percocet pill in it. Rist said he suspected this was actually a mismarked fentanyl pill.
“My client was sort of tricked into using opioids at a young age,” Rist said.
Rist requested Rivera be sentenced to one year, suspending all but time served, with required drug treatment and educational programs.
He requested Rivera be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), a policy that gives judges leniency and discretion when sentencing a defendant who is younger than 25 at the time of the incident and the potential to have their convictions sealed upon successful completion of requirements.
Rivera said he was excited to participate in community service and pursue his education.
“I’m not really used to being around people who are trying to help,” Rivera said.“At least I feel like I would be proud of myself.”
Rivera said he was a “mindless soul” when he was on drugs and believes he has improved while incarcerated.
“I feel that I have changed for the better,” Rivera said.
Judge McLean said Rivera was still responsible for decisions he made under the influence of drugs. She sentenced him to one year imprisonment suspending all but five months for assault with a dangerous weapon, followed by one year of supervised probation.
“I want you to consider the plans you are making for how you will maintain sobriety when you get out,” Judge McLean said.
No further dates were set.
