A defendant pleaded guilty to possession charges that stemmed from a shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on July 13.
Da’John Blunt, 25, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on March 12 on the 1900 block of Benning Road, NE.
According to court records, police responded to the location after a report of gunshots. Omar James, 22, pleaded guilty on June 17 to charges that stemmed from firing the shots in the incident. James is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18.
Instead of going to trial, Blunt decided to accept a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to not seek an indictment with additional charges and dismiss an unrelated possession case against Blunt.
Prosecutors explained that if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proved beyond reasonable doubt that Blunt struck the victim with a firearm in the head and possessed a firearm without a license all with a prior conviction.
Judge Di Toro informed Blunt that the maximum penalty for assault with a dangerous weapon is up to 10 years of imprisonment. She also stated that the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm is up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Judge Di Toro found Blunt entered into the agreement knowingly and voluntarily and advised that Blunt would have to register as a gun offender.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 14 for Blunt’s sentencing.
