Sioux Falls Carjacker Shawn Long Sentenced to 116 Months

Shawn Michael Long, a 31-year-old from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been sentenced to 116 months in federal prison for his role in a brazen carjacking attempt. The verdict was announced on November 30, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Long, who also received three years of supervised release following his sentence, was ordered to forfeit a firearm and pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He pleaded guilty to carjacking on August 23, 2021, after being indicted by a federal grand jury for firearms offenses, failing to appear, and carjacking on April 6, 2021.

The incident occurred between January 15 and 16, 2021. Long and an accomplice attempted to forcefully take a Honda Accord from the victim and two friends. During the heist, Long threatened the occupants with a firearm. Despite their efforts, the gear lock engaged, thwarting their attempt to drive away. The duo fled upon seeing bystanders.

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes headed the prosecution, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri led the investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Long was swiftly handed over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his conviction.