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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- August 5, 2020
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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On Aug. 5, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 14 months in jail and three years of supervised release.
Gerard Hill pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on March 13.
Judge Judith Smith ordered that Hill, 34, participate in mental health and substance abuse programs as recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).
He must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund and maintain employment.
The prosecution requested the defendant be sentenced to 16 months in jail, citing an unsuccessful probation and issues with substance abuse.
Defense attorney Lola Ziadie asked that the mandatory minimum sentence of one year be imposed. She said her client has never been convicted of a violent offense.
“My journey has not been the easiest, nor do I expect it to be moving forward,” said the defendant, “but that’s okay, because everything worth having is worth fighting for.”
Hill said he continued to study while incarcerated and has been working towards his goal of becoming a personal trainer.
He apologized for his actions, adding that he wants to prove the weight of his words as well.
On Jan. 27, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reported thefts on the 3500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, according to court documents. Upon arrival, officers found Hill shopping at a Walgreens.
Officers asked if he had a weapon on him to which the defendant replied he had a knife and handgun.
After the police left, the defendant stole $440 worth of items.
When DC police arrested Hill later that day, they found cocaine in his pocket.