Judge Sentences Defendant in Burglary Case

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On Oct. 1, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a burglary defendant who made a plea deal with the prosecution. 

Lindell Ingram, 28, was originally charged with second-degree burglary in December 2019. The following February, he was indicted on additional charges of first-degree theft and unlawful entry of private property. Two days later, he decided to plead guilty to attempted second-degree burglary.

“I’m encouraged that you’ve stepped up and taken responsibility because a lot of people depend on you.”

— Judge O’Keefe

Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced the defendant to 30 months, all of which were suspended, plus three years of probation. 

“My home, my kids, and my wife, we are not able to focus,” the victim said in his impact statement. “We keep looking for what’s wrong in our home.”

On Aug. 27, 2019, the victim reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that his residence on the 6000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW had been burglarized. The victim had surveillance cameras set up in his bedroom and they recorded the defendant ransacking through his room and stealing items. 

“I can’t express how difficult it is for the incarcerated right now,” said defense attorney Jonathan Armstrong. “You are literally spending 23 hours a day locked up in a jail cell due to COVID-19.”

Armstrong requested that the sentence be fully suspended so Ingram can continue to work and provide for his family. He started a home renovation business while on pretrial release.

“It’s going to be hard for a Black young man to get a job anywhere coming out of jail,” said Ingram. “But I want everyone to know how deeply sorry I am.” 

As part of his probation, the defendant must enroll in individual counseling and the Thinking for Change group. Ingram will also have to pay $2,628 in restitution and $100 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program. 

“I’m encouraged that you’ve stepped up and taken responsibility because a lot of people depend on you,” Judge O’Keefe told him. “And when you mess up, they all suffer.”

Judge O’Keefe warned Ingram that if he slips up on probation, he will not hesitate to incarcerate him for the remainder of his sentence. 

Judge O’Keefe also ruled that if the defendant pays all of his fines, his probation has the potential to be successfully terminated after only 18 months. 

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