Defendant Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault in Non-Fatal Shooting

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A defendant charged with a non-fatal shooting pleaded guilty to two charges during an April 21 felony status conference.

Dasani Dawson, 18, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein presided over the matter. Dawson was initially charged with assault with intent to kill in September of 2022.

By pleading guilty to a lesser charge, through the agreement, Dawson would likely face a lighter sentence.

If Judge Epstein accepts the sentence recommendation, Dawson will be sentenced to eight years in prison, five years on supervised release, as well as having to register as a gun offender.

The sentence range for aggravated assault while armed is between 4 years and 10 years in prison.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE, on Aug. 4, 2022. At the scene, officers found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the back and jaw. Dawson fled the scene prior to police arriving. He was later arrested on Sept. 8, 2022.

Dawson is currently being held with no bail. The sentencing is scheduled for July 21.

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