A defendant pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of a prohibited weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 5.
Makai Bridges, 17, was initially charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of armed robbery for his involvement in a carjacking on the 1400 block of Otis Street, NE on May 7.
Bridges is being tried as an adult under Title 16, a DC law that gives prosecutors the discretion of charging juveniles as adults for certain serious crimes.
During the hearing, Bridges pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of a prohibited weapon. As part of the plea agreement, Bridges also pleaded guilty to simple assault in a different case. In return the prosecution agreed to not bring forward any greater charges and drop any remaining charges.
According to the D.C. Sentencing Commission’s Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, the maximum penalty for unarmed carjacking is 21 years confinement with a minimum of 7 years in prison. Armed robbery holds a maximum of 15 years in prison with a minimum of 2 years confined. The maximum for possession of a prohibited weapon requires 1 year in prison and the maximum for simple assault is 180 days.
After finding Bridges understood his rights and knowingly pleaded guilty, Judge Hertzfeld accepted his guilty plea.
If the case went to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the offense Bridges stole the victim’s car keys and car. The car was pulled over by officers because it was reported stolen. During the vehicle stop, officers observed five individuals flee from the scene.
Defense attorney Joseph Fay asked if Judge Hertzfeld would consider the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) in her sentencing. She stated she will address this at sentencing.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 11.
