Defendant Held for Over a Year Sentenced

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 9, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A defendant held since August of 2019 was sentenced in two cases.

Maurice Davis pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary and second-degree theft last year.

Davis, 54, was originally scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 31. However his case was continued due to new information disclosed by defense counsel.

During the hearing on Oct. 9, the prosecution requested that Davis be sentenced to three years in prison, and three years of supervised release, citing his extensive criminal history. However, defense attorney Howard McEachern asked Judge Rainey Brandt to sentence his client to only two years in prison. He also asked that any supervised release include mental health assistance. 

“We can’t deny his history, but his mental health puts it into context,” McEachern said 

Judge Brandt ultimately sentenced Davis to two years for the attempted burglary charge and 180 days for the theft charge. The sentences will run concurrently. He will also receive credit for time served. 

Davis faced many difficulties over the course of his cases. During a hearing in October 2019, he was removed from court due to his inappropriate behavior. During a separate trial that same month, a marshal noticed that the defendant took some pills he should not have taken. He had to be taken downstairs for medical treatment.

Davis requested that he serve his time at The Federal Medical Center, Butner in North Carolina. Judge Brandt said the court believed it was appropriate given the defendant’s mental health stability. However, the decision ultimately lies with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

After Davis serves his sentence, he will spend three years on supervised release. He must also pay $600 in restitution and $150 to the Victims of Violent Crimes (VVC) fund.