Shooting Defendant Resentenced After Probation Violations

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DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian resentenced Dec. 3 a shooting defendant to 21 months in prison after he repeatedly violated his probation.

Ivan Holmes, 19, was convicted of carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discharge of a firearm for a non-fatal shooting on the 1500 block of 1st Street SW on Aug. 18, 2023. No injuries were reported.

Holmes pleaded guilty to all charges on Nov. 29, 2023, and was sentenced to 24 months of incarceration, with 21 months suspended, two years of probation, and three years of supervised release.

A Community Supervision Officer (CSO) entered an order for a show cause due to possible violations of Holmes’ probation because he was rearrested for another crime, failed to report, and lacked the necessary communication with the officer.

The CSO said Holmes “seems to not make any headway” and continues to “victimize the community.” He explained that he has repeatedly given Holmes’ support contacts, yet Holmes does not provide any updates.

Holmes’ defense attorney, Thomas Healy, described Holmes as a frustrated “young man and struggling sometimes to follow through.” Healy said they have discussed how to be flexible and find alternative solutions to problems rather than giving up.

Healy asked Judge Christian to give Holmes another chance explaining how Holmes completed four anger management classes.

He requested inpatient drug programs with GPS monitoring to ensure Holmes’s continued success.

The CSO said Holmes had a good job where he made good money, but quit. He said they have discussed Holmes’s dreams and how to find ways to achieve them.

“Help me understand,” the CSO questioned, referencing Holmes’s continued alleged non-compliant actions.

Judge Christian said Holmes had not taken advantage of any programs or been successful during probation. The judge said Holmes decided to continue on the path he had chosen.

The judge resentenced Holmes to 21 months of incarceration and 3 years of supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license and 90 days of incarceration for the unlawful discharge of a firearm charge. That is concurrent with the firearm charge.

In addition, Holmes must pay another $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund. Judge Christian informed Holmes he had lost the privileges under the Youth Rehabilitation Act.

The parties set no further dates.