ALEXANDRIA, Va. - An Alexandria woman pled guilty today to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm.

According to court documents, on Dec. 29, 2022, Alexis Amani Smith, 28, entered the AAFES Main Exchange at Fort Belvoir and began to steal several items of merchandise. Smith then walked past the final point of purchase with five items - perfume and earrings valued at $342.99 - without paying.

After Smith exited the Exchange with the merchandise, a loss prevention officer (LPO) of the Exchange approached Smith, questioned her about her apparent theft of merchandise, and requested identification. A verbal altercation ensued. Smith placed the stolen merchandise on the floor, then quickly exited the Exchange and entered her vehicle in the Main Exchange parking lot.

The LPO followed Smith to the parking lot to obtain the vehicle license plate number. While the LPO was standing directly in front of Smith's vehicle, Smith accelerated the vehicle, striking the LPO's knees and shins. The LPO placed her hands on the hood of Smith's vehicle to maintain her balance while yelling for Smith to stop. Smith accelerated again, sending the LPO onto an adjacent vehicle and then onto the pavement. Smith continued to accelerate and left the Main Exchange.

As a result of the vehicle strike, the victim suffered injuries to both her knees, her forearm, and her shoulder.

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 12, 2025, and faces up to 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the plea.

The Fort Belvoir Department of Emergency Services provided valuable assistance on this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Durham is prosecuting the case. Former Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Kyle Richardson and Margarita Pendarvis provided substantial assistance in the prosecution of the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-168.