A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to probation for a drug charge.
Donald Jackson pleaded guilty to attempted distribution of synthetic cannabinoid. He picked up the charge in March of 2019 after a buy-bust operation by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The prosecution asked for a 10-month sentence, with all but 4 months suspended. The defense asked for a fully suspended 10-month sentence, which was what Judge Gerald Fisher ultimately chose to impose.
Judge Fisher said he suspended the sentence because the crime was not violent and the defendant has done well on pretrial release.
Jackson also received 12 months of supervised probation, but it can be changed to unsupervised after six months if he is compliant with the conditions.
As part of his probation, the defendant must receive mental health services.
During the Aug. 24 sentencing, Jackson acknowledged that he needs treatment, and did have some angry outbursts towards the end of the hearing.
The defendant must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.
