CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A pair of Charlotte thugs won’t be joyriding anytime soon. Joseph Jaream Stephens, 23, and Davon Omarion Long, 19, were each sentenced to seven years in federal prison today for their roles in a violent carjacking that unfolded at a gas station on W. Sugar Creek last April. The sentences were handed down by U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson of the Western District of North Carolina, signaling a firm stance against armed robbery in the Queen City.
The brazen incident, which occurred on April 19, 2024, saw Stephens and Long target a vehicle while it was being fueled. Stephens, brandishing a handgun, stalked the driver from the rear, while Long simultaneously threatened two passengers on the passenger side, also armed. Faced with imminent danger, all three victims abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The duo attempted to make off with the stolen car, but Stephens couldn’t get the engine started, forcing both men to flee on foot.
But their escape was short-lived. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers, responding swiftly to the scene, apprehended Stephens and Long in a motel parking lot directly across the street. The quick response and subsequent investigation, conducted in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ensured these criminals were brought to justice. Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones of the ATF’s Charlotte Field Division and Chief Johnny Jennings of CMPD joined Ferguson in today’s announcement.
Court documents reveal both defendants ultimately pleaded guilty on February 14, 2025, to possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence – a serious federal charge. The seven-year sentences aren’t the end of their oversight, however. Both Stephens and Long will also serve five and three years, respectively, under court supervision after completing their prison terms, providing a layer of continued accountability.
This case underscores the commitment of federal and local law enforcement to tackle violent crime in Charlotte. The ATF and CMPD worked seamlessly to build a solid case, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted the defendants. They remain in custody awaiting transfer to a designated federal facility.
While seven years behind bars won’t undo the trauma inflicted on the victims, it sends a clear message: armed carjacking won’t be tolerated in Charlotte. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to keep our streets safe – or at least, a little less grimy.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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