Car theft suspect rejects offer, trial date set

By DC Witness Staff, Jeff Levine – 15 August 2024
Car Theft | Court | Daily Stories | Suspects | Victims |

In a hearing before D.C. Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on August 25, a car theft defendant rejected an offer of a guilty plea asserting his right to a jury trial.

Vincent Jones, 30, is charged with unarmed auto theft, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and armed robbery for his involvement in an incident that occurred on June 16, 2023 in the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecutor repeated an offer that would have required Jones to plead guilty to one count of armed robbery with an imitation firearm and one count of armed carjacking in exchange for not being charged with more serious offenses. Jones' sentence would have been capped at five years.

According to court documents, the victim was surrounded by three men, one of whom was armed with what appeared to be an automatic weapon. During the altercation, one of the suspects ordered the victim to “stop!” He then handed over his car keys and a bag containing $400 and credit cards. The suspects then fled in the victim's 2014 Toyota Corolla.

Although Jones initially expressed some confusion about the details of the deal, he ultimately rejected the agreement and opted for a trial.

His lawyer, Peter Odom, pointed out that the witness in the case had been arrested on charges of possession of a firearm and asked prosecutors to provide details to the defense because the information could be “exculpatory.”

Odom also asked Judge DiToro to release Jones on the grounds that his criminal record is “fairly minimal,” he has had a child since his arrest, and he has family support.

The prosecution objected, arguing that Jones' circumstances had not changed significantly since his arrest. The judge agreed and ordered that Jones remain in custody.

Judge DiToro set a trial date for the case for November 7.

There are no notifications available for this specific case yet. Please check back later for updates. Thank you.