Memphis, TN - John Kenny, 26, pleaded guilty to federal charges of armed carjacking and being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on Aug. 20, 2016, the defendant brandished a Glock 9mm pistol and demanded a 2015 GMC Terrain from the victim as he was sitting inside the car outside of Bardog Tavern, 73 Monroe Avenue. The defendant then shot the victim in the arm and demanded the wallet. After stealing the wallet, along with the victim’s cell phone, the defendant carjacked the victim’s car and drove off. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for his gunshot injury.
Shortly after the robbery, Memphis Police Department officers located the defendant along with the GMC Terrain, the victim’s cell phone, and bloody wallet in his possession. Law enforcement searched the GMC Terrain and recovered a shell casing.
The defendant was identified from a photographic lineup as the person who shot the victim, took the GMC Terrain, and wallet.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "On July 24, 2017, our office along with other local partners held the ‘Fed Up’ press conference to inform the citizenry that we are fed up with this type of violence throughout our communities. This case serves as a reminder that if you choose to illegally possess a firearm, you could be facing up to life in federal prison. Gun Crime is Max Time."
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. Kenny faces statutory penalties of not less than 10 years, up to life in federal prison, a period of supervised release and monetary penalties.
The case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, who have all joined together to address gun-related crimes through aggressive investigation and prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bayonle Osundare prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
