United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the sentencing of Kelly Stanton, a 55-year-old Philadelphia resident, to 12 years in prison for a carjacking incident. Stanton will also serve five years of supervised release and pay $12,500 in restitution as ordered by United States District Judge R. Barclay Surrick.
The charges stem from an event on January 26, 2023, when Stanton approached a woman on the 1600 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue after she had parked her car to pick up a pizza. Court documents reveal that Stanton held a firearm to the woman's head and demanded her car keys with the threat, “give me the f[***]ing keys or I’m going to shoot you.” The victim managed to hand over her keys after a struggle and escaped. Stanton drove off with the vehicle, which remains unrecovered.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf stated: “The victim in this case was just going about her night when Stanton ambushed and terrorized her, putting his gun to her head and threatening to shoot.” He emphasized that such acts pose a significant threat to community safety and reaffirmed commitment alongside partners at the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force.
Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division, commented on the severity of carjacking crimes: “Kelly Stanton’s victim was picking up a pizza when he stuck a gun to her head and demanded her car keys — he’s now facing a dozen years in federal prison.” He highlighted ongoing efforts using forensic tools through partnerships aimed at deterring violent crime.
This case was investigated by both the ATF and Philadelphia Police Department. Prosecution was led by Special Assistant United States Attorney Meagan Gordon along with Assistant United States Attorney Priya De Souza.
