
Two teenagers have avoided jail time after pleading guilty to simple assault against former DOGE staffer Edward “Big Balls” Coristine. The incident, which occurred on August 3, 2023, involved a violent attack in a parking garage in Washington, D.C. The defendants, a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl from Hyattsville, Maryland, were sentenced to probation in a D.C. court on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
The boy received a probation term of 12 months and is subject to strict house arrest, while the girl was sentenced to nine months of probation and will reside in a local youth shelter. Their involvement in a larger group during the attack, which was described as an attempted carjacking, remains under investigation, as accomplices involved in the attack are still at large.
During the court proceedings, Coristine, now 19, addressed the defendants via video link. He stated, “I hope you can figure things out and be ready for the consequences,” expressing gratitude toward law enforcement for their swift actions in apprehending the teenagers. Coristine suffered serious injuries as a result of the assault, including a concussion and a broken nose. He previously detailed that he and a female companion were attacked by a group of approximately ten individuals.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding youth violence and the consequences of such actions. The court’s decision to impose probation rather than incarceration reflects a growing trend in handling juvenile offenders, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment.
As the investigation continues into the remaining suspects involved in the attack, the community remains vigilant about safety and prevention strategies to address youth-related violence. The outcome of this case may influence future legal approaches to similar incidents involving young offenders.