New Jersey Man Convicted for Driving Vehicle Towards Pedestrians near the Washington Monument
WASHINGTON / Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – Jack Dessin, 43, of Mantua, NJ, was found guilty yesterday by a Superior Court jury for charges stemming from driving his SUV onto the sidewalk of the Washington Monument in July 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Dessin was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon with a senior citizen enhancement. The Honorable Deborah Israel scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2026.
According to the Government’s evidence on July 3, 2021, in broad daylight, Dessin drove his dark blue Ford Explorer truck onto the sidewalk of the Washington Monument grounds, where numerous pedestrians were walking and sightseeing. While the 68-year-old victim was walking, Dessin accelerated his vehicle and drove directly at the victim, who struggled to jump over the wall for protection and had to be pulled out of the way by a family member.
Dessin was arrested by U.S. Park Police on July 3, 2021. He is now held pending sentencing.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by U.S. Park Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emmanuel Hampton and Kraig Ahalt.
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Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia
