A Philadelphia man has been sentenced to a 12-year stint in federal prison following a distressing case of carjacking. Kelly Stanton, 55, faced justice after an incident in January 2023 that left a woman terrorized when he threatened her at gunpoint for her vehicle. After pleading guilty to the charge last October, Stanton now confronts a future behind bars and a burden of restitution amounting to $12,500. United States District Judge R. Barclay Surrick also imposed five years of supervised release once the prison term is completed.
According to the details shared by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the carjacking occurred late at night on Cecil B. Moore Avenue in North Philadelphia. The victim had simply stepped out to grab a pizza when confronted by Stanton, who forcibly demanded her car keys while pointing a gun at her head. The confrontation eventually led the victim to relent, hand over the keys, and flee from the ominous scene. To this day, her car remains unaccounted for.
In a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, United States Attorney David Metcalf expressed his sentiments on the case, "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." Metcalf added, "Anyone who would violently accost a stranger like this for their car, or any other possession, is a clear threat to our community. My office will continue to work with our partners on a the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force to bring these dangerous offenders to justice."
Special Agent in Charge of ATF's Philadelphia Field Division, Eric DeGree, highlighted the joint effort in tackling such violent 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," said DeGree. He emphasized the collaborative work of the task force, stating, "Together with our Carjacking Task Force partners we are using ATF’s unique forensic and investigative tools to stop criminals like this from terrorizing our neighborhoods. We hope this case deters those willing to use violence in our community."
The coordinated investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Philadelphia Police Department led to Stanton's arrest and subsequent indictment. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Meagan Gordon and Assistant United States Attorney Priya De Souza. Stanton's sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences that await those who opt for violence and intimidation on the streets of Philadelphia.
