Xavier Daughtry, a 25-year-old Fort Pierce man, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for a carjacking incident where he brandished a firearm at gunpoint. Daughtry was convicted by a South Florida federal jury and was found guilty of carjacking and obstruction of justice during the trial. The incident occurred when the victim, upon returning to her vehicle after going inside a gas station, encountered Daughtry attempting to enter her vehicle. Daughtry pointed a loaded .45 caliber pistol at the victim’s face and fled the scene in her vehicle. Law enforcement apprehended Daughtry less than eight minutes later and found a loaded handgun on the driver’s seat. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, along with Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks.
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Fort Pierce Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Carjacking at Gunpoint
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Key Information About the Case
In a recent case in Fort Pierce, Florida, Xavier Daughtry, a 25-year-old man, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Daughtry was convicted by a South Florida federal jury in February. The case involved an incident where Daughtry forcibly took a vehicle at gunpoint from a gas station parking lot. The sentencing was enhanced due to obstruction of justice during the trial.
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The Incident and Arrest
On May 9, 2022, just before midnight, the Fort Pierce Police Department received a 911 call from the victim, who reported that she had parked her vehicle at a gas station on U.S. Hwy 1 in Fort Pierce. When she returned to her vehicle, she found Xavier Daughtry attempting to enter it. The victim confronted Daughtry, but he responded by raising a loaded .45 caliber pistol and pointing it at her face, threatening her to “back the f— up.” Daughtry then got into the vehicle and drove away, leaving the scene.
The victim immediately contacted the police, who issued a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) alert for the stolen vehicle, a 2022 Nissan Altima, including the license plate number. Less than eight minutes later, law enforcement observed the Nissan Altima turning onto Saint Frances Drive in Fort Pierce and conducted a traffic stop to apprehend Daughtry. During the arrest, officers found a fully loaded Llama Minimax .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
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The Sentencing
Xavier Daughtry faced severe consequences for his actions. U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks imposed a sentence of 13 years in federal prison. This sentence takes into consideration the gravity of the crime, the use of a firearm, and the impact on the victim. Additionally, Daughtry received a sentencing enhancement for obstruction of justice during the trial, which further increased his punishment.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentence. The investigation and prosecution of the case were carried out by the FBI Miami, Fort Pierce Resident Agency, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Fort Pierce Field Office, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Pierce Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Porter and Justin Hoover prosecuted the case.
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Background of the Case
Carjacking is a serious crime that often involves violence and poses a significant threat to public safety. In this particular case, Xavier Daughtry engaged in the act of carjacking by forcefully taking a vehicle at gunpoint. Carjacking incidents can have severe consequences for the victims and can lead to physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial loss.
Carjacking is a federal offense when a firearm is used during the commission of the crime. The United States Department of Justice takes carjacking cases seriously and works diligently to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in such crimes. The imposition of strict sentences aims to deter future offenders and protect the community from dangerous individuals.
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The Impact on Victims
Carjacking incidents can have a lasting impact on the victims. The victims may experience fear, anxiety, and trauma, both during the incident and afterward. They may suffer financial loss due to the theft of their vehicle and potential damage to the vehicle during the crime. The emotional and psychological toll of such incidents should not be underestimated, and it is essential for law enforcement and the justice system to provide support and justice to the victims.
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Carjacking Incident and Arrest
The carjacking incident in Fort Pierce involving Xavier Daughtry highlights the dangers faced by victims and the swift response by law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrator. The incident occurred when the victim left her vehicle parked at a gas station and returned to find Daughtry attempting to enter it. Daughtry responded to the victim’s confrontation by threatening her with a loaded firearm.
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Police Response
The Fort Pierce Police Department received a 911 call from the victim, who reported the carjacking incident. The police immediately issued a “be on the lookout” alert for the stolen vehicle, providing a description and license plate number. This information allowed law enforcement officers to locate the stolen vehicle within minutes of the incident.
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Apprehension of Xavier Daughtry
Law enforcement officers observed the stolen vehicle, a 2022 Nissan Altima, turning onto Saint Frances Drive in Fort Pierce and initiated a traffic stop. The officers successfully apprehended Xavier Daughtry and secured the vehicle. During the arrest, they discovered a loaded Llama Minimax .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s seat.
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Collaborative Investigation
The investigation into the carjacking incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies, highlighting the collaborative efforts to combat violent crimes. The FBI Miami, Fort Pierce Resident Agency, led the investigation, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Fort Pierce Field Office, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Pierce Police Department. The collaborative efforts of these agencies ensured a thorough and successful investigation, leading to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of Xavier Daughtry.
In conclusion, the case of Xavier Daughtry’s carjacking incident in Fort Pierce serves as a reminder of the severity of such crimes and the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to protect the community. The sentencing of Daughtry to 13 years in federal prison demonstrates that carjacking and brandishing firearms during crimes of violence will not be tolerated and will result in significant consequences. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies exemplify their dedication to public safety and the pursuit of justice.