A carjacking defendant accepted a guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Aug. 7.
Elijah Montgomery, 20, was originally charged with first-degree theft, armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing from a law enforcement officer, and destruction of property $1000 or more. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a carjacking on the 5100 block of Sargent Road, NE, on Oct. 12, 2023.
According to court documents, Montgomery, along with two other individuals, blocked in a parked car with the victim inside. The group demanded the victim exit the vehicle and hand over his cell phone. The three suspects fled with the victim’s car.
When the carjacking occurred, Montgomery was driving a black sedan stolen from the Takoma Park Metro Station. Montgomery proceeded to crash into another vehicle and flee from police.
During his hearing, Montgomery’s attorney, Matthew Rist, informed the court that he intended to accept a plea offer extended by the prosecution. Through the plea, Montgomery pled guilty to armed robbery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and fleeing from law enforcement, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
The prosecution requested Montgomery be detained pending sentencing. Rist argued that Montgomery should remain on release, as he has been compliant with release conditions for the past 22 months, has strong family support from his mother and uncle, and is facing his first criminal charge.
Judge Di Toro kept the defendant on release.
Sentencing is slated for Nov. 7.
