A defendant who initially faced 58 charges pleaded guilty to two robberies and a stabbing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 23.
Rodney Bennett, 20, was initially charged with five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of endangerment with a firearm, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of robbery while armed, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, first-degree theft, robbery, and five counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle. All charges faced an aggravating factor of being committed while Bennett was on release for another matter.
The charges stemmed from Bennett’s alleged involvement in the following incidents:
- A shooting on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE, on Aug. 28, 2024,
- An armed robbery on the 1300 block of Neal Place, NE, on Aug. 28, 2024,
- An armed robbery on the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW, on Aug. 29, 2024,
- An incident on Aug. 26, 2024, at an unknown location.
Bennett was also charged in a separate case with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing inside the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Nov. 11, 2025.
In court, Bennett accepted an agreement requiring him to plead guilty to armed robbery and robbery in his 2024 case and assault with a dangerous weapon in his 2025 case. In exchange, the prosecutors will dismiss all remaining charges.
Parties agreed on a total sentence from seven-to-10 years in prison for both cases as part of the plea deal. If Judge Ryan rejects the deal’s recommendation, Bennett may rescind his guilty plea.
The prosecutor said if the cases had gone to trial, they would have proven beyond reasonable doubt that on Aug. 28, 2024, Bennett pointed a gun at the victim and demanded his phone and wallet. They said the victim then grabbed his phone back and called the police.
The prosecutor also said they would have proven that on Aug. 29, 2024, Bennett chased two victims and demanded one of the individual’s watch and cash.
Bennett was wearing a GPS monitor at the times of both incidents, with electronic coordinates placing him where the crimes occurred, according to the prosecutor.
The prosecutor said they would have proven that on Nov. 10, 2025, Bennett got in a verbal argument with a victim in the DC Jail, then began to stab him.
When prompted by Judge Ryan, Bennett confirmed he stole another person’s belongings, he was not acting in self-defense, and he understood the rights he was giving up by pleading guilty. Judge Ryan conditionally accepted the plea, pending the sentencing recommendation.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 22 for sentencing in both cases.
