A carjacking defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Adrea Hertzfeld on July 30.
Dale Benjamin, 38, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that took place on the 4400 block of Benning Rd, NE on Sept. 15, 2024.
Following the appointment of a new defense attorney, the prosecution decided to reopen an expired plea offer, which Benjamin rejected.
Had Benjamin accepted the plea offer, he would have pleaded guilty to armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in return for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Additionally, Benjamin’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, requested the court to adjust her client’s release conditions to GPS monitoring, allowing him to work.
King argued that Benjamin had a pending job offer, and that it would be good for the community and her client.
The prosecution opposed this motion, stating that GPS monitoring is not adequate to keep the community safe, and requested time to formulate a formal response.
Judge Hertzfeld noted that Benjamin has been very compliant and has not violated any of his current release conditions. However, she decided to maintain Benjamin’s conditions of release until the prosecution has a response ready, and parties can meet to formally decide on the motion.
Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 5.
