DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a stabbing defendant to 18 months in prison, with all but six months suspended, on July 24.
Sarita Middleton, 45, pleaded guilty on April 28 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing at a Popeyes restaurant on the 1700 block of Columbia Road, NW on Feb. 11. The victim sustained a small one-inch laceration.
The prosecutor asked Judge McLean to sentence Middleton to two years in prison, with all but one year suspended, three years of supervised release, and 18 months of supervised probation. They also requested that the judge restrict Middleton’s access to the Popeyes.
The prosecution said Middleton threatened a juvenile Popeyes employee with a large kitchen knife, culminating in the store manager sustaining a small laceration to their wrist. They also mentioned Middleton’s three decade long criminal history, but did not provide specifics.
Middleton’s attorney, Russell Hairston, said Middleton has accepted responsibility for her actions and has taken classes since her incarceration to combat her substance abuse problems.
Hairston said despite Middleton’s wishes to stay with friends, it would not be in her best interest. Instead, Hairston said Middleton would stay with her mother, who has a no drug rule in her house.
“She has come a long way, I believe she will do well on probation,” Hairston said.
Hairston said the knife Middleton had was for protection because she was a victim of domestic violence. He asked for a sentence that would allow her the opportunity to be a “productive citizen.”
Middleton spoke, expressing her remorse and acknowledging her anger management issues.
Judge McLean said she noted Middleton’s completion of an anger management course and told Middleton to seek proper treatment and not “self-medicate.”
The judge sentenced Middleton to 18 months in prison, all but six months suspended, followed by one year of probation.
For Middleton’s probation, Judge McLean required her to refrain from using alcohol and non-prescription medication. In addition, Middleton must complete substance abuse and mental health assessments, vocational training or verified employment, and six months in a drug rehabilitation program.
Judge McLean said that if Middleton fails to comply, she could serve the full one year sentenced and that reality is “hanging over [Middleton’s] head.”
No further dates were set.
