Makai Bridges, 17, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on July 31 to 12 years in prison for a series of crimes including robbery, carjacking, and assault, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Pirro said, “At just 16, Bridges repeatedly victimized members of our community through violence, intimidation, and theft. Even after being detained, he continued to endanger others by assaulting fellow detainees. This 12-year sentence ensures he will be held accountable for his actions and protects the public from further harm.”
Bridges pleaded guilty on March 5 to charges of carjacking, robbery, possession of a prohibited weapon, and simple assault. Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld imposed the sentence of 12 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. The government had requested the maximum sentence under the guidelines.
According to evidence presented by the government, on May 1 at around 2:00 am near the intersection of 3rd Street NE and Rhode Island Avenue NE in Washington D.C., Bridges and an accomplice approached a woman waiting at a bus stop. Both pointed what appeared to be firearms at her before taking her purse and cellphone while threatening her life if she contacted police. The victim reported the incident later that morning.
In another incident on May 7 at approximately 10:10 pm outside 1430 Otis Street NE, Bridges with four accomplices confronted another victim as he exited his vehicle. One displayed what looked like a firearm while others demanded keys; all five then drove away in the stolen vehicle. Police attempted a traffic stop later that night; after fleeing officers and crashing into a tree box near the 1200 block of 3rd St NE, all suspects fled but officers apprehended Bridges.
While detained at the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services Youth Services Center on Mount Oliver Road NE, Bridges participated with seven others in an assault against three detainees as they were escorted through a cell block. DYRS staff restrained him during his attempt to join further assaults.
Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined Pirro in announcing the sentencing outcome and commended investigators from MPD along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valerie Tsesarenko and Brian Hanley, who prosecuted this case.