Triple Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Seven Years Incarceration 

By Elizabeth Brady - November 18, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories | Data | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a triple carjacking defendant to seven years in prison on Nov. 15 after he pleaded guilty to all charges. 

Dennis Vanison, 29, on Aug. 13 acknowledged guilt to unarmed carjacking and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in three carjacking incidents. The first occurred on the 2400 block of Wagner Street, SE, on May 2, and the following two occurred on the 3300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on May 3. 

According to court documents, Vanison and another suspect stole the first victim’s white Chrysler while he was making a DoorDash delivery on May 2. Vanison was not the suspect who pointed the firearm at the victim, according to prosecutors. 

The next day, according to court documents, a separate victim called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after finding Vanison unresponsive at the wheel of their family vehicle. The driver’s door and trunk were open, and a firearm was on the floorboard. Vanison had committed another carjacking earlier that morning down the street.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 84-to-96 months of incarceration. Due to Vanison’s criminal history of three misdemeanors, he faced a mandatory minimum of seven years of incarceration. 

The prosecution advocated for the higher end of the sentencing range, explaining how one victim over 60 years old is now unable to work and suffering from depression. Additionally, Vanison committed the offenses with an unregistered “ghost gun” near a child development center. 

The prosecution disclosed two additional cases of robberies pending trial in Maryland, including one already indicted by a grand jury, to justify their recommended sentence. The prosecution stressed the danger of the offenses to the community. 

Vanison’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, argued the bottom of the sentencing range was high for the nature of the offense, given Vanison’s criminal history score. Winograd recommended 84 months with a period of probation. 

Winograd said Vanison has intellectual disabilities that have prevented him from finishing school and obtaining a job. His challenging environment made him susceptible to dangerous behavior. Winograd argued a sentence at the low end of the range will allow Vanison the opportunity to reflect and pursue rehabilitation.

Judge Salerno sentenced Vanison to 84 months for the charge of unarmed carjacking. That sentence will run concurrently with a sentence of 28 months for the charge of carrying a pistol without a license. 

Both sentences carry with them concurrent three years of supervised release. During that time, Judge Salerno ordered Vanison to engage in an interactive plan that includes a program to address his drug abuse issues.

In addition, Vanison will have to register as a gun offender for two years after his release and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund. 

The parties set no further dates.