CLEVELAND – In a shocking turn of events, two Maple Heights men have been charged with multiple armed carjackings in the Cleveland area.
According to the indictment, Donteze Congress, 18, and Thomas J.D. Williams, 18, both of Maple Heights, Ohio, are accused of using a firearm to steal vehicles during separate incidents on August 9, 2022.
Congress and Williams are both charged with carjacking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and aiding and abetting possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Williams is also charged with attempted carjacking and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, it is alleged that on three separate occasions on August 9, 2022, police officers in Cuyahoga Falls, Solon, and Streetsboro were called to respond to an armed carjacking incident.
In both Cuyahoga Falls and Streetsboro, the perpetrators were alleged to have struck the victim’s vehicle from the rear, brandished firearms, and confronted the victims after the victims exited the vehicle to assess the damage.
Defendants Congress and Williams were later identified and arrested following an investigation into the carjacking incidents.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum; in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Cleveland FBI, Solon Police, Cuyahoga Falls Police, Streetsboro Police, and Garfield Heights Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Christopher J. Joyce.
Defendant: Donteze Congress and Thomas J.D. Williams
Criminal Charges: Carjacking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, aiding and abetting possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, attempted carjacking, and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence
City and State: Maple Heights, Ohio
Exact Date: August 9, 2022
Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending indictment and trial
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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