DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno granted a carjacking defendant additional time to consider a plea offer given his hesitation about the facts during a hearing on June 29.
Dominick Carter, 22, is charged with two counts of armed robbery, three counts of possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a robbery and carjacking on Jan. 21, 2025 on the 1600 block of W Street, SE.
During the hearing, Carter stated he now wants to take the plea deal and he “changed [his] mind.”
Carter told Judge Salerno he had changed his mind since last week because “[he] wanted to get this over with – go on with the case.”
“I’m not arguing with you,” Judge Salerno told Carter.
After a brief recess, Carter reiterated he didn’t fully agree with the version of facts presented by the prosecution. Judge Salerno alerted Carter he could not accept a plea if the defendant was hesitant.
Carter’s attorney, Theodore Shaw, stated, “I actually don’t know what else I can do” and mentioned possibly withdrawing from the case..
The prosecution made it clear that if a trial date was set, the plea offer would be revoked. Carter repeated he wants to take the plea because he is tired of coming to court. Judge Salerno reaffirmed that unless Carter could agree to the explanation of the facts, he will not accept a plea agreement.
The defense was granted additional time to consider the plea deal.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 7.
