DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to two years in prison with an admonition on March 26.
Romel Sawyer, 38, pleaded guilty on Jan. 21 to assault with significant bodily injury, possession of a prohibited weapon, and robbery for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 6600 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on Aug. 1, 2025.
At the hearing, the prosecution explained the victim was “approached, assaulted, and robbed,” of all of his belongings that were important to him including rent money, his cell phone, and identifying documents.
“When I tried to defend myself, I was stabbed in the back,” and “I so desperately want my life back,” the victim said in a victim impact statement.
The prosecution asked Judge Arthur to impose a two year suspended sentence for the robbery charge in which he would serve 10 months, and a one year suspended sentence for the possession of a prohibited weapon charge.
Sawyer’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, explained to Judge Arthur that his client was remorseful. Robertson emphasized that Sawyer swung the knife and struck the victim but did not stab him, and he has successfully completed probation in the past.
Robertson asked Judge Arthur to impose a suspended sentence of two years and six months in which he would serve two years, as well as one year probation and three years of supervision. Robertson emphasized that he wanted his client to receive substance abuse treatment if he is sent to jail.
Judge Arthur acknowledged Sawyer’s substance abuse and anger issues helped fuel the crime. “You have to recognize the potential for relapse is there,” Judge Arthur said. “You have a lot of life to live.”
Sawyer was sentenced to 6 years in prison, suspending all but 24 months for robbery. For assault with significant bodily injury, Sawyer was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspending all by 10 months and for possession of a prohibited weapon he was sentenced to one year in prison.
He received three years of supervised probation for each count. The sentences and probation are slated to be served concurrently.
Judge Arthur also ordered Sawyer to get substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, and anger management.
No further dates were set.
