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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- September 25, 2020
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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On Sept. 25, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve six months for a drug charge.
After making a deal with the prosecution, Karl Johnson, 42, pleaded guilty to attempted distribution of a controlled substance – offenses committed during release.
Judge Judith Smith sentenced the defendant to 14 months, suspending all but six of them. Because he is receiving credit for time served, Johnson will be done with his sentence in about a month and a half.
Once he is released, Johnson must serve one year of supervised probation. As part of his probation, Judge Smith ordered Johnson to receive a mental health assessment and comply with any recommendations for treatment. He will also need to participate in any drug and alcohol programs deemed appropriate by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)
Judge Smith also ordered transitional housing and employment referrals to aid Johnson in his transition back into the community.
Defense attorney Susan Ellis said that her client’s history of chronic homelessness, and his inability to receive support from organizations due to his mental health condition being diagnosed, contributed to his criminal actions.
Judge Smith asked Johnson what his plan would be, were he to be released on probation. Johnson said that he would tried to apply for disability, and continue searching for housing and employment opportunities.
Johnson is scheduled to return to court for two outstanding misdemeanor cases.
On Spet. 9, 2019, police officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were in the 1600 Block of 1st Street, NW at approximately 5 p.m. , according to court documents. Johnson approached the officers, who were dressed in plains clothes, and asked what the officers were looking for. Johnson explained that he would sell the officers a drug nicknamed “spice,” and watch over them as they smoked it. The officers handed over 20 dollars in exchange. After receiving the drug, officers identified themselves and the defendant tried to flee the scene. Officers were able to subdue Johnson, and place him under arrest.