Off-duty Las Vegas corrections officer Maurice Washington has pleaded guilty to two felony counts of reckless driving resulting in death in connection with a May hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian. In court Monday, District Judge Michael Villani reminded Washington that each count carries a potential one-to-six-year prison term. Washington, who remains free on $250,000 bail, is scheduled to be sentenced in March and is still eligible for probation.
How Police Say the Crash Unfolded
According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the collision happened shortly after 3:28 a.m. on May 11 at South Decatur Boulevard and Alta Drive. Investigators say a black 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 was heading north at a high rate of speed and entered the intersection on a green light when it struck a man who was walking in a marked crosswalk against the pedestrian signal.
Police said the car did not stop and left the scene. Debris from the vehicle and video evidence were later used to tie the Mercedes to the crash, according to the department. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, and officers said the driver showed signs of impairment when he later returned.
The Guilty Plea and Pre-Sentencing Rollbacks
At Monday’s plea hearing, Washington admitted to two felony counts of reckless driving resulting in death under an agreement that allows prosecutors to refrain from making any sentencing recommendation at his March hearing, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. His defense attorney, Joshua Tomsheck, asked the court to lift Washington’s regular drug testing and electronic monitoring requirements while he awaits sentencing, and the judge agreed.
Under the terms of the plea, Washington remains eligible for probation even as he faces the possibility of prison time when he appears in court in March.
What Investigators Say Happened After the Crash
When officers arrested Washington in May, they said he came back to the crash scene about 45 minutes after the collision, arriving with his mother, according to earlier reporting by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In that account, Washington allegedly told police he had been drinking earlier at a hookah lounge.
He also allegedly told investigators he did not immediately report the crash “because he was scared.” Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and said he failed a field sobriety test, according to the report. Metro’s initial public statement also described debris and a damaged side mirror that helped connect the Mercedes to the scene.
What the Plea Means Legally
The reckless driving counts to which Washington pleaded guilty each carry a possible one-to-six-year prison sentence, a range Judge Villani spelled out during the hearing. The court will now decide in March whether to send Washington to prison or place him on probation.
Prosecutors said they will not make a recommendation at the sentencing hearing, leaving the decision to the judge within the statutory limits. The plea deal does not prevent the victim’s family from pursuing civil claims tied to the crash.
City Reaction and What Comes Next
The City of Las Vegas has confirmed that Washington is employed as a city corrections officer and said it is aware of the charges, according to FOX5 Las Vegas. Washington is set to return to court for sentencing in March, when records will show whether the judge opts for prison time or probation.
Police have identified the victim as 58-year-old Elijah Givens. His death, coming in the pre-dawn hours as he crossed against a signal, highlights what police say are the risks pedestrians face at night, especially when traffic signals are not followed, as mentioned by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Advocates and Givens’ family have said they will be watching the March sentencing closely.
