DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced two co-defendants under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Nov. 21, and amended one’s sentence on Dec. 9.
On Aug. 19, Kendall Joiner, 21, and Daniel Aligbasia, 19, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a firearm for their involvement in a carjacking on May 30, 2024 on the 2000 block of Savannah Street, SE.
According to court documents, the victim reported that Aligbasia asked him for a ride and, once they reached the victim’s vehicle, displayed a firearm, demanded the victim’s phone while Joiner allegedly approached the vehicle and threatened the victim, before getting in. The defendants drove away from the scene.
On Nov. 21, the prosecution argued that both defendants posed risks to the community. For Joiner, prosecutors said he has reoffended on multiple occasions and recommended a 48-month sentence.
For Aligbasia, prosecutors noted he committed the offense while on probation in a previous case and opposed sentencing him under the YRA, which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
During the hearing, Joiner’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, emphasized that the encounter lasted approximately 20 minutes and was not premeditated. Simmons highlighted Joiner’s remorse and plans to enroll in trade school.
In a statement to the court, Joiner explained he experienced significant losses following his arrest, including the death of his father four days after he was taken into custody. He said he missed the funeral, his son’s first birthday, and the birth of his daughter, adding that he has been participating in programs focused on self-growth.
Aligbasia’s defense counsel, Jamison Koehler, asked the court to impose a YRA sentence, emphasizing his apology, remorse, and willingness to participate in treatment. Koehler argued that Aligbasia is capable of rehabilitation and would benefit from the YRA’s structure.
Judge Di Toro sentenced both defendants under the YRA.
Aligbasia was sentenced to 24 months for robbery and 48 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, to run concurrently. His sentence includes five years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, and credit for time served.
Joiner originally received a sentence of 36 months of confinement, followed by five years of supervised release, and community service. Prosecutors noted that a separate pending felony case will be dismissed under the plea agreement.
However, the prosecution later alerted the judge that the sentence imposed for Joiner went against their 11c1c plea deal, which is a binding deal that requires the judge to sentence a defendant to a specific sentence or within a sentencing range.
The prosecution argued that the 36 month sentence for Joiner went against their agreement, because Judge Di Toro had imposed a sentence that was lower than the minimum requirement based on Joiner’s criminal history score.
During the Dec. 9 hearing, Simmons argued that because Judge Di Toro sentenced Joiner under the YRA, she could deviate from the sentencing guidelines. However, the prosecution disagreed.
Judge Di Toro stated that the 11c1c rule prevailed to the court, and she amended Joiner’s sentence to be 48 months.
No further court dates were set.
