A 19-year-old Chicago man has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in federal prison for his role in an armed carjacking that began when a woman arranged to meet the victim, then helped set a trap for gunmen waiting nearby. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey handed down the sentence to James Hampton on Sept. 3, following Hampton's guilty plea to federal carjacking and firearm charges.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Hampton received a 117-month sentence in the case. The scheme began on Oct. 23, 2024, when the victim, who was driving a 2019 Dodge Challenger, picked up Meliza Calderon in suburban Des Plaines and agreed to meet her that day, according to CWB Chicago. He then drove her to the 5000 block of West Superior Street in Chicago's Austin neighborhood.
A Text Message Set the Trap
While the two idled in the car, Calderon secretly texted Angel Burgos Jr. to arrange the robbery, and Burgos responded that he would send the guys to handle it, per the sentencing memorandum cited by CWB Chicago. In those same messages, Calderon described the victim as having a fat-ass chain and watch and driving a Challenger, telling Burgos, they could have the car and the watch idc. I want the wallet and his chain, according to the outlet's report.
As armed men approached the vehicle, Calderon physically struggled with the driver over the gear shift to force the Challenger into park, according to the Department of Justice. Hampton then approached with at least one armed accomplice and, per the sentencing memorandum, threatened the victim by telling him not to be stupid and indicating he would shoot if the victim didn't comply. The victim's cellphone, watch and gold necklace were taken by Hampton and Colon, the outlet reports.
Police Caught the Trio Within Minutes
Hampton fled in the stolen Challenger as the victim called 911 using a bystander's phone. Chicago police pursued the vehicle, and Hampton, Colon and Calderon were all apprehended after bailing out on a sidewalk, according to CWB Chicago's account of the arrest. That rapid response fits a pattern described by FOX 32 Chicago, which reported that Chicago Police officers apprehended all three suspects less than 30 minutes after the 5:15 p.m. hijacking, with Calderon initially facing a state felony count of controlled substance possession in addition to aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm.
An indictment search result lists Colon, Hampton and Calderon but does not list Angel Burgos Jr. The disposition of the charges against Burgos remains an open question.
Mandatory Minimums Drove the Sentence
Hampton's nearly 10-year prison term reflects the severity of the federal charges. The case was prosecuted in federal court.
Colon pleaded guilty on June 9 to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and his sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 24 before Judge Blakey. Calderon pleaded guilty to conspiracy, carjacking, and firearm charges, with her sentencing set for Oct. 15, also before Blakey. The case involved an armed carjacking in Chicago.
Lasting Toll and a Broader Decline in Carjackings
The victim has reported lasting emotional impact from the ambush, saying he has become fearful in public, reluctant to leave his home, and has suffered financial losses connected to the incident. His account illustrates the human cost behind a crime that, citywide, has declined in recent years — Chicago carjackings peaked in 2021 and totaled 957 in 2024, according to earlier Hoodline reporting.
Hampton was 18 at the time of the offense. With Colon's and Calderon's sentencings still ahead this month and next, the case remains open as federal prosecutors continue working through the remaining defendants.
