Judge Accepts Defense Request to Seal Plea Deal

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At a status hearing on April 20, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the defense’s request to seal a plea deal and the proffer of facts to protect the defendant’s safety.

Alvin Jackson was charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of criminal street gang affiliation with a felony or misdemeanor and conspiracy while armed in relation to a shooting on May 2, 2020, on the 5000 block H Street, SE injuring three victims.

Defense attorney, Euphus Belu-John, indicated that Jackson, 29, intends to take a plea deal offered by the prosecution and requested that the offer and the facts of the case be sealed. Given that Jackson would be incriminating another defendant in the plea agreement, Belu-John explained that Jackson’s safety would be at risk if the deal was open to the public.

The prosecution agreed with the defense’s concerns.

Judge Epstein granted the request. The plea deal details were then discussed in private.

At the hearing, Jackson also pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill. Both the prosecution and defense agreed to a 12-year sentence with five years probation. However, the final sentence is up to Judge Epstein’s discretion.

Dajuan Jones was also charged in this incident, but his case was dismissed on June 10, 2022, because Jones’ sole charge, assault with a dangerous weapon, was already indicted in a murder case the 22 year old has pending.

The full report and sentencing is slated for July 14.

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