Judge Sentences Defendant in Felony Case Under Youth Act

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 26, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a 19-year-old defendant to probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.) 

On May 25, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were patrolling and received a tip that Kayon Beverly,was in possession of a handgun. The officers approached Beverly on the 1500 block of First Street, SW, where a cookout was occurring. As the officers approached, Beverly took flight and the officers immediately apprehended him. He resisted arrest, but officers were ultimately able to detain him.

Beverly was found in possession of an unregistered pistol, a pill bottle containing oxycodone with the label scratched off and almost $400 dollars. 

He ended up being indicted on charges of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possession of a controlled substance.

Beverly pleaded guilty to the charges in August in exchange for the prosecution dismissing his other case, in which he was also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. 

During the Oct. 26 hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Beverly to 90 days for the possession charge and six months for the pistol charge. She suspended both sentences in their entirety.

Judge Brandt also sentenced him to and one year of probation for each case.  The probation and the sentence for each charge will run concurrently.

As conditions of Beverly’s probation for the pistol charge, he must receive mentoring services, enroll in the Community Engagement and Achievement Center and continue to live with his relative in Maryland. He will not have to do any community service because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since Beverly was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements.

The prosecution said the defendant had been compliant and does well with structure. He requested 180 days suspended for the offense of possession of a controlled substance, six months suspended for possession of a pistol without a license, and one year of probation for both charges to run concurrently.

Beverly’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, was in agreement with the sentencing. Beverly also argued on his behalf and said that he was working towards his professional aspirations and seeking employment while he continues school.

Beverly must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime compensation fund for the possession charge and $100 for the pistol charge.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.