DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a carjacking defendant’s request to moderate his release conditions while plea negotiations continue at a June 11 hearing.
Dale Benjamin, 37, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on the 4400 block of Bennington Road, SE, on Sept. 15, 2024.
Benjamin’s attorney, Marnitta King, argued that his current release under GPS tracking and home confinement, is preventing the defendant from maintaining employment and growing his relationship with his children who live in Maryland, while he is in DC.
King highlighted no violations for his client, and stated there’s a correctional facility that wants to hire Benjamin.
The prosecution agreed that Benjamin was maintaining compliance. However, they argued it isn’t enough to warrant a release due to the severity of the defendant’s charges.
The prosecution also cited past offenses suggesting the defendant is a danger to the community.
King argued that the defendant’s past crimes are irrelevant to this case since they occured when he was a juvenile.
Judge Hertzfeld denied Benjamin’s release, stating that he needs employment verification to lift the curfew and meanwhile the GPS box will stay on.
Parties are to resume on July 15.
