DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a motion for return of property and a motion for a bond review for carjacking co-defendants during two separate hearings on April 14.
Jaelen Jordan, 19, and Jahkai Goff, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, robbery of a senior citizen while armed, and receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more.
Jordan and Goff are two of seven co-defendants charged for their alleged involvement in a series of carjackings and subsequent distribution of the carjacked vehicles between April and May of 2023.
According to court documents, the first verified carjacking occurred on April 27, 2023, on 8th Street and K Street, NE. Another incident occurred on May 16, 2023, on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW.
At the hearing, Jordan’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, argued for return of property because the prosecution possessed items obtained in a search warrant for an extended period which he says are unrelated to the charges and investigation. McDaniel also noted that the search warrant was obtained in June 2023, and he is unsure what else prosecutors want to do with the items.
McDaniel added that Jordan’s request is on behalf of his mother who owns the items in question.
Prosecutors opposed the motion because the items do not belong to Jordan and consequently he does not have standing to seek the return of property that is not his.
Judge Kravitz denied the motion and ruled that it failed due to a lack of standing. The judge noted that Jordan’s mother could file a motion herself and reminded the prosecution to ensure the items are legitimately held.
At a subsequent hearing, Goff’s attorney, Donna Beasley, argued for Goff’s release on home confinement with GPS monitoring. Beasley mentioned Goff’s lack of a prior criminal record and said there is no indication he would not return to court. She also pointed out that Goff’s family attends every hearing to support him.
Prosecutors opposed the motion and pointed to the nature and circumstances of the offenses in addition to the weight of the evidence. They alleged that there is strong evidence Goff was directly involved in multiple carjackings, including sell cite location data and Instagram messages. The prosecution also said that two firearms were allegedly recovered from Goff’s residence during his arrest.
Beasley challenged the assertion that the guns found in Goff’s apartment are connected to the carjackings and suggested prosecutors have a weak case.
Judge Kravitz denied the motion for bond review based on the nature of the crime.
Armed carjackings are among the most dangerous offenses, Judge Kravitz said.
The judge acknowledged that it is impossible for him to know the strength of the evidence, however the prosecution acknowledged there is significant circumstantial evidence.
Parties for all seven co-defendants are scheduled to reconvene on April 30.
