Nineteen-year-old James Poole from Milwaukee has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for his role in two armed carjackings. The incidents involved Poole hijacking vehicles and leading police on a high-speed chase, which ended in a crash, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In late January 2024, Poole committed armed carjackings, first taking a car at gunpoint on N. Farwell Avenue on January 29, 2024, and attempting another the next day in downtown Milwaukee. His getaway, reaching speeds of up to 90 mph through residential streets, ended with a crash near 82nd and Burleigh Streets, injuring the passengers. Poole was sentenced to prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution. His co-defendant, Jabari Griffin, was sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the second carjacking. U.S. Attorney Richard G. Frohling stated, "Individuals who engage in violent crimes – like these armed carjackings – not only endanger the lives and well-being of their victims but also can shatter the confidence of all residents that our cities are safe places in which to live and work," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle emphasized the importance of addressing violent crimes, while Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said, "The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is proud of the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in holding violent individuals accountable for their actions," as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
