PHILADELPHIA, PA — On Tuesday, United States District Court Judge Juan R. Sánchez sentenced Amir Wilson, 22, of Philadelphia, to 192 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. This sentence was handed down following Wilson’s conviction for his involvement in two armed carjackings that took place in May 2021, marking a significant step in the ongoing battle against carjacking in the city.
Wilson was found guilty by a federal jury in December 2023 on multiple charges, including conspiracy, two counts of carjacking, and the use or carrying of a firearm during a crime of violence. The conviction stemmed from a series of crimes that began on May 15, 2021, when Wilson and his accomplices targeted a man as he was leaving for work. The assailants, brandishing firearms, demanded his car keys and absconded in the victim’s vehicle.
The criminal spree continued in the early hours of May 16, 2021, as Wilson and his co-conspirators approached two men departing a graduation celebration. Again, they wielded guns to coerce the victims into surrendering their vehicle. The stolen car was later spotted by Philadelphia police, leading to a high-speed chase that was ultimately abandoned for safety concerns. The vehicle was recovered shortly after, abandoned in a nearby area.
Later that day, police identified the first victim’s stolen car and engaged in another pursuit. The chase concluded when the vehicle crashed through a fence in North Philadelphia. Wilson attempted to flee on foot but was promptly apprehended by officers at the scene.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero underscored the impact of Wilson’s actions, stating, “These gunpoint carjackings were terrifying for the victims, who were targeted out of nowhere while just going about their lives.” She further emphasized the commitment of her office and law enforcement partners to address such violence, highlighting that the sentencing serves as a deterrent and enhances community safety.
Echoing this sentiment, ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree remarked, “Carjacking is a dangerous federal crime that will land you in federal prison.” He noted the reckless endangerment posed by Wilson’s actions and commended the collaborative efforts of the ATF and the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force in bringing Wilson to justice.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Philadelphia Police Department investigated the case. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Martin E. Howley, Jr. and Priya T. De Souza.
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