Defendant Given Another Chance to Comply Before Sentencing

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 22, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge decided to postpone a defendant’s sentencing hearing so that he could prove that he can comply with release conditions. 

Maurice Beckham, 19, pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer and destruction of property less than $1,000 in February. He is currently released under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) while he awaits sentencing.

Defense attorney Wole Falodun requested that his client receive a fully suspended sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would effectively seal the case once he completes certain requirements. 

The prosecution disagreed, saying that Beckham has multiple re-arrests and has been largely non-compliant with the PSA. 

“Mr. Beckham had no sanctity of life for himself or others in that moment,” the victim wrote in an impact statement that the prosecution read during the Oct. 22 hearing. 

The prosecution then played footage from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Body Worn Camera (BWC) from the Jan. 10 offense. The officers were shown trying to stop Beckham as he rammed the stolen SUV into other cars during rush hour on Benning Road, NE. 

“What were you thinking when you were driving over those cars,” asked Judge Erik Christian. “Those officers could have shot you in defense of those citizens.”

“I wasn’t thinking,” Beckham replied. 

Judge Christian said that he will delay the sentencing to give Beckham time to prove that he is qualified for the YRA. 

“The bottom line is that you’ve run out of excuses,” said Judge Christian. “I will accept nothing less than perfect compliance.”

The sentencing is now scheduled to take place on Jan. 14.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article