PHILADELPHIA, PA — Nateirah Ortiz, 25, of Darby, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty Wednesday to serious charges, including carjacking and firearm offenses. These charges were announced by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, following Ortiz’s admission of guilt before United States District Court Judge Chad F. Kenney.
The indictment, filed in April, outlines Ortiz’s involvement in a January carjacking incident in South Philadelphia. On January 31, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., Ortiz confronted a victim on the 1100 block of Washington Avenue. Brandishing a firearm, she demanded the keys to the victim’s silver 2018 Toyota RAV4. The victim complied, and Ortiz fled with the vehicle.
Philadelphia police quickly broadcasted information about the stolen vehicle. At around 9:17 p.m., officers in the 24th District spotted the RAV4 on Kensington Avenue. They attempted to stop the vehicle, but Ortiz evaded them, nearly colliding with their patrol car.
During the pursuit, police found the RAV4 crashed on Richmond Street. Ortiz was seen walking away from the crash site and was apprehended shortly after. A loaded handgun was recovered nearby, linking Ortiz to the crime.
U.S. Attorney Romero emphasized the impact of carjacking, stating, “Carjackings are crimes that can terrorize victims and rattle entire communities. By holding carjackers like Nateirah Ortiz responsible, we’re having a direct effect on public safety in Philadelphia.”
Echoing this sentiment, Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Office, remarked, “This case again shows that carjacking is dangerous and a serious federal crime.” He highlighted the extensive property damage and danger posed by Ortiz’s reckless actions.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel praised the swift apprehension, attributing it to effective coordination between local officers and federal partners. “The safety of our communities is our top priority, and we will not tolerate those who choose to threaten the peace and security of our city,” Bethel asserted.
Ortiz awaits sentencing on December 18. She faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of seven years. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside the Philadelphia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony J. Carissimi and Robert E. Eckert are leading the prosecution.
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