Two carjacking co-defendants pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on Aug. 27 before DC Superior court Judge Judith Pipe.
Shaquille Pittman, 30, and Regina Christmas are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, robbery while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for their alleged involvement in a incident on the 4300 block of Polk Street, NE on July 18, 2020.
Daniel Kovler, Pittman’s attorney, and Stephen LoGerfo, Christmas’ attorney, alerted Judge Pipe of their intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their clients’ constitutional rights.
Christmas, for her part, focused on her current compliance with mental health requirements previously set by the court.
Kovler implored Judge Pipe to expedite Pittman’s case, as he had the same charges brought against him in 2021 for the exact same incident. In 2021, the case was eventually dropped by the prosecution due to a witness not being ready to testify, but re-opened this year.
Judge Pipe ordered Pittman, who has been on release since 2021, to adhere to conditions set by the court, including reporting to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) via phone once per week and having no firearms or bullets in his possession. Judge Pipe emphasized the importance of staying in compliance to avoid severe consequences.
Both defendants are scheduled for their next hearing on Sept. 30.
