DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced an 18-year-old carjacking defendant to five years in prison under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on July 31.
Mekhi Greene, 18, pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, 2025 to unarmed carjacking for his involvement in an incident that occurred on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on March 23, 2025. The victim was a mother whose toddler was inside the vehicle during the offense.
Greene was formerly charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Both charges were dismissed as part of his plea deal. The prosecution also agreed to limit their sentencing request to seven years in prison.
Judge Israel sentenced Greene’s co-defendant, 20-year-old Keon Preston, on May 15 to 15 years in prison, all but eight suspended, followed by three years of supervised probation. Preston pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, assault with intent to kill, and felony possession of a machine gun for his involvement in the same offense.
According to the prosecution, Greene participated in the carjacking along with three other suspects. Prosecutors said the group surrounded the victim’s vehicle and that Preston pointed a gun at the victim as she exited the car. The prosecutors played surveillance video of the incident in court.
Prosecutors said Greene and Preston were arrested, while the other two suspects fled and were never identified. The stolen vehicle was later recovered with two firearms inside.
The prosecution argued Greene participated in the offense “for sport,” describing it as “how they are spending their Friday night.”
Prosecutors also argued Greene minimized his role by reportedly blaming Preston for carrying the gun and claiming he acted because of peer pressure. They said Greene’s lack of remorse weighed against sentencing him under the YRA and asked the court to impose the seven-year mandatory minimum sentence.
The YRA allows sentencing flexibility for defendants who commit crimes under the age of 25. Under the YRA, a judge can impose sentences below the mandatory minimums and offenders have the opportunity to have their convictions sealed upon successful completion of requirements.
Greene’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, asked his client’s supporters to stand, and 14 of his friends and family members rose in the courtroom. Baldwin displayed emotion as he described Greene’s progress, saying he had “never seen that much change in a client.”
Baldwin presented a photograph of Greene wearing a cap and gown, prompting applause from audience members in the courtroom. He told the court that Greene earned his high school diploma with a four-point-zero grade point average while incarcerated and argued that “if you give him jail time, everything goes away.”
Greene’s education attorney also praised his accomplishments, stating “he promised to get a diploma and he followed through on that promise.” She continued that Greene promises if granted the YRA, “he will be as successful in the community as he has been in jail.”
The education attorney further explained that Greene was an active participant in the Young Men Emerging (YME) program at the jail and had support from a social worker.
Greene then read a letter he wrote to Judge Israel, accepting responsibility for his actions. He said he has spent his time incarcerated working to build a better future. Greene claimed he changed for the sake of his younger brother, saying, “He reminds me why I can’t give up” and “I don’t want him growing up thinking this is normal.”
Judge Israel thanked Greene for his letter and told him, “I’m proud of you,” acknowledging his accomplishments while incarcerated and describing them as evidence of discipline and maturity.
Although the judge noted Greene’s criminal history and the seriousness of the offense involving a mother and her child, she found that his “tremendous amount” of self-reflection warranted sentencing under the YRA.
Judge Israel sentenced Greene to seven years in prison, suspending all but five years, followed by three years of probation.
To receive the benefit of the YRA, Greene must complete 200 hours of community service, undergo mental health and substance abuse treatment, refrain from possessing firearms or ammunition, and follow a stay-away order from the victim.
No further dates were set.
