Judge Postpones Sentencing After Shooting Defendant Recants Plea

By Laura Berol - April 14, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

On April 12, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan postponed sentencing for a defendant due to statements he made in a pre-sentence report, denying all involvement in the offense for which he had already pleaded guilty.

Arnold Lawrance, 33, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left one victim injured. The incident occurred on Nov. 25, 2023, on the 1400 block of W Street, NW.

On Jan. 30, Lawrance pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges related to this case and the prosecution’s commitment not to seek a sentence in excess of 30 years, the maximum penalty for this offense.

In Lawrance’s sentencing hearing, Judge Ryan read portions of Lawrance’s statement from the pre-sentence report, in which Lawrance claimed that he had no knowledge of the robbery until police arrested him on the basis of his resemblance to the suspect in the case.

Judge Ryan reported “consternation” at reading the pre-sentence report, since it contradicted sworn statements Lawrance had made before him when entering his guilty plea. 

Lawrance’s attorney, Wole Falodun, was unable to explain the contradiction in his client’s statements. Falodun reported that Lawrance did not intend to withdraw his guilty plea and apologized to the court for any confusion he may have caused. 

“A complete denial is unusual in my experience, and makes me uncomfortable,” Judge Ryan responded. “I don’t like the record as it stands now, with someone denying the charges they pleaded guilty to.” 

He refused to sentence Lawrance without further clarification, especially since sentencing guidelines would place Lawrence’s sentence in the range of 48-to-96 months.

Judge Ryan directed that Lawrence and his lawyers rethink their defense strategy.  

He acknowledged that it could be difficult to withdraw the guilty plea, in light of what Lawrance had admitted under oath, but he required Lawrance to take responsibility for his words and actions

Parties are set to reconvene on May 3.