PHILADELPHIA, PA – Nateirah Ortiz, a 25-year-old from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for her role in an armed carjacking in South Philadelphia earlier this year. The sentence, handed down by United States District Court Judge Chad F. Kenney, includes 96 months of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment. The charges included carjacking, carrying and using a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The incident occurred on January 31, 2024, when the defendant carjacked a man at gunpoint on the 1100 block of Washington Avenue. According to court documents, Ortiz approached the victim as he neared his vehicle, a silver 2018 Toyota RAV4. Brandishing a firearm, she demanded his car keys. The victim complied and fled to a nearby business to call 911 as Ortiz drove off in the stolen vehicle.
Philadelphia police were alerted through citywide broadcasts. Approximately two hours later, officers in the 24th District spotted the stolen car on Kensington Avenue and attempted to intercept it. Ortiz initially stopped but then fled dangerously, nearly hitting a police vehicle. The pursuit continued until the RAV4 was found crashed into parked vehicles on Richmond Street. Ortiz was apprehended nearby, and police recovered a loaded firearm concealed under a nearby van.
The case was a collaborative effort among federal and local law enforcement agencies. U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero emphasized the gravity of Ortiz’s actions. “Gunpoint carjackings are terrifying for victims and unsettling for the entire community. That’s why this office will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Philadelphia Police Department and ATF to prosecute these violent offenders. As Nateirah Ortiz’s sentence shows, committing a carjacking in our city is a life-changing decision. A crime that took just moments will land you in prison for years,” said Romero.
Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division, highlighted the recklessness of the defendant’s actions. “Nateirah Ortiz is going back to prison for a senseless and dangerous crime — carjacking a man at gunpoint, endangering the neighborhood and police as she sped away, and wrecking multiple cars. Working together with the Philadelphia Police Department in the Carjacking Task Force, we will continue to hold carjackers accountable and help keep Philadelphia’s streets safe,” he stated.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel praised the coordinated law enforcement response. “Today’s sentencing is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when law enforcement agencies stand shoulder-to-shoulder. By working together, we ensure that those who endanger our communities are held fully accountable, and we reinforce our shared commitment to keeping every Philadelphian safe,” said Bethel.
The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Philadelphia Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony J. Carissimi and Robert E. Eckert.
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