Judge Sentences Attempted Robbery Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 21, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge gave a defendant a suspended sentence for attempted robbery. 

Carina Powell entered a bank on the 3800 block of 12th Street, NE and handed the teller a note demanding $2,000 on Feb. 24.

Powell, 27, was originally charged with robbery. In August, she pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. 

During the Oct. 21 hearing, Judge Michael Ryan sentenced her to one year, fully suspended, plus 18 months of supervised probation.

Powell was held for five and a half months in this case. She will receive credit for time served. 

The prosecution requested a 16-month suspended sentence because of Powell’s history. Powell was on probation when she committed the crime and was pending sentencing for a domestic violence matter. 

Defense attorney Raymond Jones recommended a 10-month suspended sentence.

“My drinking makes me do bad things,” said Powell. 

Judge Ryan acknowledged the need for proper treatment for Powell. 

“The unfortunate truth of our prison system is that the treatment there is not good,” he said.

As part of her probation, Powell must participate in a mental health screening and a GED program.