A carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on June 9.
Vincent Atchison, 58, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking for his involvement for an incident that occurred on Feb. 3 on the 3800 block of Davis Place, NW.
During his hearing, Atchison’s attorney, Howard McEachern, alerted Judge Israel he intended to accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution, which required Atchison to plead guilty to robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to the bottom of the sentencing guidelines based on his criminal history.
McEachern requested Atchison be released pending sentencing with mandatory weekly drug testing. He argued that Atchison’s last conviction was 18 years ago and was largely fueled by substance abuse. Further, McEachern mentioned that Atchison’s mother had health issues that Atchison’s could support if released.
The prosecution objected and argued that Atchison approached the victim from behind, throwing her to the ground before taking her keys and taking off with her vehicle. The prosecution emphasized that the elderly victim was especially vulnerable and such force is extremely dangerous for an elderly person.
When McEachern provided the address where Atchison would live the prosecution alerted Judge Israel that it was extremely close to the victim.
Judge Israel ultimately stated that she did not believe Atchison was a flight risk but that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Atchison was not a risk to the community, subsequently denying McEachern’s request for release.
Parties are set to reconvene on August 22.
