Damion Lemont Hayes, Carjacking, Kentucky 2020
Louisville, KY - Carjackings have skyrocketed in Louisville, prompting a federal task force to crack down on the violent crime.Carjacking is a federal crime punishable by imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of $250,000. However, if a victim of a carjacking suffers serious bodily injury, the maximum term of imprisonment is up to 25 years. And, if the carjacking victim is killed as a result of the carjacking, a defendant may be imprisoned for any number of years up to life, or sentenced to death. Additionally, if the defendant brandishes a firearm, a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of seven years is added. If a firearm is discharged, a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of ten years is added to the sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
Damion Lemont Hayes, 20, of Louisville, Kentucky, has been charged with carjacking. Hayes was on a felony diversion at the time of the carjacking as a result of a February 2020 conviction for charges that were initially filed as complicity to murder and complicity to robbery.
According to a criminal complaint, on June 2, 2020, the victim was driving a black 2017 Subaru Forester with a friend down Bardstown Road. The two victims ran into protestors and police activity on Bardstown – they parked to see what was going on. As the victims were walking they were asked for a ride by two females and five males. They all walked back to the victims’ Subaru, however, only three of the males got in the car.
The victim continued to drive down Bardstown, but was caught in traffic. According to the victim, she was uncomfortable with the situation and asked the males to exit the vehicle. However, the males refused to exit, and one of them brandished a firearm. The victim was then forced to drive to a nearby ATM, where the males took the victim's cash.
Hayes was taken into custody on federal charges, and is currently facing the consequences of his actions. With a federal prison sentence of up to 25 years, Hayes will face severe penalties for his involvement in the carjacking. The federal task force has pledged to work closely with local law enforcement to combat the growing trend of carjackings in Louisville.
“Put Louisville families at risk through carjacking then be prepared to go to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “We will respond to this increasing threat to neighborhoods across our city and pledge closer collaboration with our state & local partners to reverse the disturbing trend.”
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →