Tonnaire McNair-Matthews, Kidnapping, Pennsylvania 2024

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Table of Contents

Defendant Convicted of Heinous Crime Spree

Tonnaire McNair-Matthews, 24, was convicted of kidnapping, carjacking, Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy, and brandishing and use of a firearm in relation to Hobbs Act robbery and kidnapping, a federal jury decided on July 25, 2024.

According to court records and evidence presented at the four-day trial, McNair-Matthews conspired with David Hinson, 23, Michael Caldwell, 21, and Mahkiya Powell, 20, to rob unsuspecting drivers by rear-ending them with a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee. After three unsuccessful carjacking attempts, McNair-Matthews kidnapped a victim at gunpoint and drove her from Delaware back into Pennsylvania.

During the ride, McNair-Matthews forced the victim to disrobe, demanded her PIN code, and digitally penetrated her against her will. He then forcibly raped her at gunpoint. After abandoning the victim, McNair-Matthews drove her car to Delaware convenience stores, withdrawing money from her bank accounts via ATM transactions using the stolen PIN code.

McNair-Matthews was arrested three days later after fleeing to Maryland. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss praised the coordination between his office and state and federal law enforcement partners to bring McNair-Matthews to justice. Attorney General Kathy Jennings and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno also commended the work of the Delaware and Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI in bringing the defendant to justice.

The victim’s bravery was also commended by U.S. Attorney Weiss, who expressed hope that the guilty verdict would bring some measure of closure to the victim and her family.