Willis, Hamilton, Crumpton Charged

In a brazen display of violence, Eugene Willis (22, Orlando), Sedrick Lamar Hamilton (24, Orlando), and Justin Deontae Crumpton (18, Orlando) have been charged with carjacking and firearms offenses. The indictment, announced by United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, alleges that the three men committed a string of violent crimes on October 8, 2015.

According to the indictment, the men carjacked a victim at gunpoint in Brandon, FL, making off with his 2012 Dodge Charger. The ensuing high-speed chase led law enforcement officers on a wild goose chase, ultimately ending in a crash. But the men didn’t stop there. They carjacked a second victim at gunpoint, taking her 2013 Kia Optima in Lakeland.

The men’s reckless actions didn’t go unpunished for long. After crashing the second vehicle, they fled into a local restaurant, sparking a several-hour standoff with law enforcement. Eventually, they were apprehended and taken into custody.

If convicted, each of the men faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The charges are a sobering reminder of the severe consequences of violent crime. The case is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. As the case moves forward, the prosecution will work to prove the guilt of Willis, Hamilton, and Crumpton beyond a reasonable doubt.

The charges against Willis, Hamilton, and Crumpton are a stark reminder of the dangers of violent crime. The use of firearms and the brazen nature of the carjackings demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life and the law. As the community breathes a sigh of relief that the perpetrators are behind bars, the case serves as a warning to others who would consider committing similar crimes.