Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Taxi Cab Robbery, Faces Up To 15 Years

By Tyler Davis - October 22, 2024
Carjacking | Court | Daily Stories | Suspects |

A carjacking defendant pleaded guilty to robbery and assault before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian in a hearing Oct. 21. 

Jose Mendoza, 36, was originally charged with two counts of armed carjacking of a taxi cab driver, first-degree theft, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon, simple assault and assault on a police officer for a carjacking incident that occurred on the 1400 block of Park Road, NW on July 25, 2021. 

According to the prosecution, Mendoza approached a taxi cab driver and requested that he take him to Southeast DC. Mendoza then pulled out a knife, held it against the side of the driver’s body, and told him to get out of the car and leave the keys. Mendoza then used the vehicle to flee the scene. He was positively identified by the driver the following day and arrested. 

Kevin O’Sullivan, Medoza’s attorney, informed the court of Mendoza’s intention to accept a deal that required him to plead guilty to robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to seek indictment charges and dropped the original charges of armed carjacking, carrying a dangerous weapon, simple assault and assault on a police officer. 

Robbery carries a penalty of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $37,500. Assault with a dangerous weapon carries a penalty of up to 10 years. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Dec. 9