Judge Sentences Defendant to Probation Under Youth Act

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 26, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 26, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to one year of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

In November 2019, Jabari Reid was charged with carrying a pistol without and license outside a home or business. Later that month, he was indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without and license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Reid, 19, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in exchange for the other charges being dropped.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced him to fourteen months for the pistol charge and 90 days for the marijuana charge. She suspended the entirety of both sentences and set them to run concurrently. 

Reid was also sentenced to one year of probation for each charge, which will also run concurrently. Conditions of his probation for the pistol charge include enrollment in a GED or academic program, referral to grief counseling (which will not be a violation if he does not complete it), 90 hours of community service, alcohol treatment as deemed appropriate by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) and referral to a mentor.  

Since Reid was sentenced under the youth act, his case will be effectively sealed once he completes his requirements.

The prosecution argued that Reid should be sentenced to 18 months, with 15 of them suspended, plus one year of probation. The prosecutor argued that three months in prison could serve as a deterrent to prevent future criminal activity.

Reid’s attorney, Corinne Shultz, requested one year probation. She said that Reid had been highly compliant and was looking to earn his high school degree. She also said that taking of a plea early showed him taking responsibility for his actions.

Reid was arrested On Nov. 14, 2019, after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw Reid on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE, acting suspiciously, according to court documents.

Reid was allegedly holding his left arm tightly to his side and stopped walking as officers drove by. Once they passed, Reid continued holding his arm tightly and walked towards a vehicle.

The officers stopped their vehicles and approached Reid, documents state. They noticed one side of his jacket was heavily weighed down, but Reid denied having a firearm.

The officers patted him down and discovered a pistol. They placed Reid under arrest and soon after discovered Marijuana and approximately $500 dollars.

Reid must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund for the possession charge and $100 for the pistol charge. He will also have to register as a gun offender.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.