A check-stealing thief, Markel Washington, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his role in a scheme targeting defense lawyers. Washington admitted to trying to steal a lawyer’s $125,386.81 check using fake IDs purchased on the dark web. The theft was part of a larger operation that targeted U.S. Treasury checks sent to indigent defense lawyers through the mail. Washington’s accomplice posed as the lawyer to cash the check, but the bank cancelled payment before they could get the money. The victim and another targeted lawyer wrote letters asking for a prison sentence for Washington, who apologized to the victim and his family in court.
Federal guidelines recommended a sentence of 21 months, which the judge, Ann Donnelly, imposed, along with 100 hours of community service. Donnelly emphasized the importance of the work done by CJA lawyers, calling it demanding and under-appreciated. Some CJA lawyers have reported missing or stolen checks in recent years, including one attorney who had a $72,000 Treasury check cashed by a thief. Despite these challenges, some lawyers believe that prison is not an effective solution and that more focus should be placed on preventive measures.
Washington’s lawyer had hoped for a shorter sentence, but Donnelly imposed the maximum recommended by federal guidelines. Washington, who had served 10 months in jail awaiting trial, expressed regret for his actions in court. In addition to his prison term, he must also perform community service. Donnelly stressed the importance of supporting lawyers who represent indigent defendants, saying that the system cannot function without their work.
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