A defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 10, to his role in a robbery, carjacking scheme.
Darryl Gladney, 18, was originally charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the robbery, kidnapping and carjacking of an individual who was lured to the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE, under the guise of buying a Cartier Santos watch on May 4, 2025.
Under the plea agreement, Gladney pleaded guilty to robbery, and the prosecution agreed to dismiss the remaining charges.
According to prosecutors, if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven that Gladney initially contacted the victim through Instagram direct messages, expressing interest in purchasing the watch. Gladney later created a group chat with friends from middle school and coordinated a plan to rob the victim after arranging a meeting location.
The prosecutors stated that after taking the victim’s watch, the group drove the victim to his residence and planned to steal additional watches as well as the victim’s vehicle.
Judge Pipe informed Gladney that robbery carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. However, as part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed to limit its sentencing request to the midpoint of the guidelines.
Following the guilty plea, prosecutors requested that Gladney remain detained pending sentencing. They argued that Gladney was not a minor participant in the offense and described him as the individual who organized the group chat and “started the catalyst” for the robbery.
Gladney’s attorney, Charles Haskell, requested his client’s release pending sentencing. Haskell argued that Gladney demonstrated good character, noting that he hopes to attend summer school, sought Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentencing and previously expressed interest in joining the military.
The YRA allows sentencing flexibility for defendants under 25 and the potential to have their conviction sealed upon completion of specific requirements.
Judge Pipe questioned whether Gladney understood that a felony conviction could affect his ability to pursue military service. Haskell informed Judge Pipe that Gladney’s desire to enlist was meant to daemonstrate Gladney’s character, explaining, “So you know the type of person he is, even though he couldn’t do that.”
Judge Pipe agreed to release Gladney under a few conditions, including GPS monitoring, a curfew from 10 p. m.-to-6 a. m., no possession of firearms or ammunition, and a stay-away order from the victim.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 25 for Gladney’s sentencing.
