Erick Blanco-Cordova, a 24-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm at a taxi driver during an incident that took place in November 2019. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Blanco-Cordova entered his plea in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, admitting to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. Judge Robert Salerno has set sentencing for March 18, 2026.
The case involved another individual, Lesly Taracena, who was found guilty by a jury in April 2025 on charges including conspiracy to commit an armed crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Taracena received a five-year prison sentence in June 2025.
According to evidence presented by the government, on November 11, 2019, Blanco-Cordova and Taracena were picked up by the victim—a taxi driver—in Arlington, Virginia. They requested to be driven to Union Station in Washington, D.C. Upon arriving at the intersection of 7th and F Street NW, both individuals exited the vehicle without paying their fare. When the driver confronted them about payment, Taracena produced a firearm from her pocket and pointed it at him while Blanco-Cordova stood beside her. The driver fled in fear. Police later stopped both defendants and recovered a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson SD40VE semi-automatic handgun from Blanco-Cordova.
Blanco-Cordova was arrested on weapons charges in Maryland in March 2025 and has remained in custody since then.
The Metropolitan Police Department led the investigation into this case. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katerina Qesari; Lesly Taracena’s prosecution also involved former Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Skopicki.
“Blanco-Cordova pleaded guilty today to pointing a firearm at a taxicab driver in November 2019,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
