Judge Sends Armed Carjacker To Prison For More Than 40 Years

U.S. Attorney’s Office
Eastern District of Pennsylvania
4 May 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA - Desmond Janqdhari, 29, of Philadelphia, was sentenced on May 2, 2016, to 481 months in prison for armed carjacking, robbery, and firearms crimes. On January 28, 2016, a federal jury found Janqdhari guilty of robbery which interfered with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), armed carjacking, and two counts of using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.

On January 6, 2014, Janqdhari stole a 2005 Toyota Corolla by forcing the car’s owner to surrender her keys at gunpoint. On January 11, 2014, Janqdhari and co-defendant Keith Williams robbed the Wireless Factory Store at 5618 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia. They stole $300 from the store while holding employees at gunpoint. Williams pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson ordered restitution to the victims in the amount of $440, five years of supervised release, and a $400 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jose Arteaga.