DC Superior Court Judge Laura Cordero acknowledged a carjacking defendant’s progress in maintaining sobriety, noting the importance as she considers a mental health plea on March 31.
Kaprice Steward, 27, is charged with carjacking and unauthorized use of a vehicle for her alleged involvement in a Metrobus carjacking at the 1100 block of Howard Road, SE, at the Anacostia Metro Station, on Sept. 15, 2025.
A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), expressed that Steward completed drug tests weekly. From those tests, parties addressed concerns that Steward tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) on March 11. EtG is a byproduct of the alcohol people consume and the test looks for any sort of recent alcohol consumption, up to 80 hours. The PSA representative mentioned that Steward’s psychiatrist prescribed her medication and she attends regular sessions with the services.
Judge Cordero acknowledged that Steward had a negative test on March 25, expressing that she showed some improvement, as a mental health plea is considered in the case. However, the judge raised the concern about Stewards’s consumption of alcohol. Judge Cordero stated that if alcohol is detected from these tests, it could jeopardize Steward’s participation in the program.
Steward intends to accept a mental health court plea, meaning she agrees to engage in treatment recommendations in exchange for a lesser sentence or the dismissal of her charges.
Judge Cordero instructed Steward to remain completely sober, stating, “I know you can do this.” The judge explained to Steward that even the small amounts of alcohol, that can be found in food or medicine, are detected in the testing. Additionally, if alcohol was consumed a few days before the test it would appear as EtG.
Parties also discussed the medication that Steward was prescribed by her psychiatrist. Steward said her job requires her to watch a building at night and on the days she works, she doesn’t take her night time medication because it makes her drowsy.
Judge Cordero expressed that not taking the medication consistently would affect Steward’s mental health. Additionally, the judge said Steward should let her body rest. Steward replied that she needed to work saying, “I’m doing this because I’m trying to move out of my grandma house.”
Steward was advised by Judge Cordero to talk to her psychiatrist about her medication and address any concerns or dosages to align with her work schedule, instead of her inconsistently taking it.
Judge Cordero commended Steward for her recent progress and participation in Life Enhancement Services, a mental health clinic in DC, acknowledging that she attends appointments and engages with the resources provided to her.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 30.
