Armoni Burton, Kidnapping, Carjacking, Robbery, Pennsylvania 2026

Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Robbery Plague Pittsburgh.

A 14-count indictment has been filed against Armoni Burton, 25, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, charging him with a string of violent crimes, including kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. According to the indictment, Burton, along with co-defendants Ausaun Porter, 22, of Pittsburgh, and Lawrence Strothers Jr., 21, of West Mifflin, committed a series of crimes from late-December 2025 through January 2026.

The indictment alleges that on or about January 7, 2026, Burton and Porter carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint in White Oak, kidnapped its occupant, and subjected the victim to physical abuse. The victim was bound, threatened, and had their cell phone used to demand ransom for their release. The defendants then attempted to dispose of the victim in a dumpster in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Burton is also charged with the robbery of a postal delivery person on December 31, 2025, as well as possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of stolen mail, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana on January 21, 2026. Porter is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and conspiracy to distribute marijuana on January 21, 2026. Strothers is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on January 21, 2026.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for Burton; up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both for Porter; and up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both for Strothers. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and V. Joseph Sonson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment.

Armoni Burton was arrested by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in downtown Pittsburgh on March 25, 2026. The other defendants are currently detained on state charges. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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