Khalil Dickens, a 22-year-old Philadelphia resident, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his role in a series of violent armed carjackings and robberies that took place during the summer of 2023. The sentence, delivered by United States District Judge Chad F. Kenney, also includes five years of supervised release and an order to pay restitution.
Dickens was indicted in January 2024 and pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy, eight counts of carjacking, and three counts related to carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during violent crimes.
According to court records and Dickens’s own admissions, he participated with others in seven armed carjackings, one attempted armed carjacking, 11 additional gunpoint robberies, and the receipt of a stolen vehicle between June and July 2023. Many victims were physically assaulted or threatened at gunpoint; some were pistol-whipped or shot at during these incidents.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf commented on the case: “Khalil Dickens and his associates created their own crime wave, committing some 20 violent gunpoint robberies and carjackings in six weeks,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “We simply will not permit dangerous criminals to run around our city terrorizing innocent people. As Dickens can now attest, anyone violently victimizing others like this should be ready to spend not just years, but decades, in prison.”
Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division added: “With Khalil Dickens sentenced to a quarter century in federal prison, a dangerous criminal is taken off Philadelphia’s streets,” said Eric DeGree. “Dickens and the other perpetrators physically assaulted and even shot at the victims of their many carjackings and robberies. Working with our Carjacking Task Force partners we are using the ATF’s unique forensic and investigative tools to stop criminals and protect our communities.”
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel stated: “Violent carjackings and armed robberies cause fear in our neighborhoods and inflict real trauma on the people we serve,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: if you choose to commit violent crimes in Philadelphia, you will be held fully accountable. I want to thank our federal partners and the dedicated investigators of the Philadelphia Police Department who worked tirelessly to bring this individual to justice. Together, we will continue to pursue those who harm our residents and work every day to make our city safer.”
The investigation involved collaboration between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Philadelphia Police Department.
