The prosecution extended a new plea offer to a teen carjacking defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Aug. 4.
Aniq-Kai Covington, 17, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property worth $1000 or more, carrying a pistol without a license, and possessing an unregistered firearm for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 2700 block of 31st Street SE.
Covington is being charged as an adult under Title 16 which gives prosecutors the option for the most serious crimes.
The prosecution latest offer to Covington requires him to plead guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for all other charges being dismissed.
The prosecution mentioned that they would oppose Covington’s sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which would seal his conviction from the public after successfully completing the terms of his sentencing.
Covington’s defense attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Damayanti Desai, requested additional time to discuss the new plea offer put forth by the prosecution.
The prosecution had no objections.
Judge Salerno moved the hearing for the next day but expressed unwillingness to extend discussions past Wednesday so the court can move forward with jury selection.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 5.
