On Oct. 7, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for a drug charge under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)
Hector Morano pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance for approaching a plain-clothed Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer at the Fort Totten Metro platform and offering to sell her drugs on Dec. 18, 2019. Morano also scratched a police officer during his arrest.
Morano, 20, was initially charged with distribution of a controlled substance. In February, he was indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest. Pleading guilty to possession as part of his deal with the prosecution allowed his conviction to be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
The prosecution agreed that the YRA, which will effectively seal his case once he completes his requirements, would benefit the defendant, who was 19 at the time of his arrest.
Judge John Campell sentencedMorano to 180 days, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation. As part of his probation, Morano must complete 90 hours of community service. He must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund.
“Good Luck on probation, I hope we don’t see you back in court,” Judge Campbell said.
Morano expressed his remorse over his actions and promises to never engage in such behavior again. Judge Campell reminded Morano to take advantage of the decision they had reached for his sentencing.
“I really appreciate it, thank you” Morano responded.
Emily Pengelly wrote this article.
