A carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal and received a sentence of time already served before DC Superior Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 5.
Taya Johnson, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property $1,000 or more for her involvement in an incident at the intersection of 14th and V Streets, NW on Jan. 16, 2025.
In an offer from the prosecution, Johnson agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor destruction of property less than $1,000. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to drop all remaining charges and cap her sentence at time served.
The prosecution stated that if the case went to trial they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the date of the offense, Johnson was armed with a knife when she inflicted damage on the victim’s car and slashed the tires.
After Judge Hertzfeld found that Johnson willingly accepted this plea offer and understood the rights she was giving up to enter this agreement, she accepted the guilty plea.
The parties proceed directly to sentencing. The victim was notified by prosecutors that they could make an impact statement prior to the hearing, however they were not present.
The prosecution stated that time served would be an acceptable sentence and Johnson’s attorney Andrew Clarke agreed. Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Johnson to time already served.
No further dates were set.
