From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama announced the conviction and sentencing of a man for a carjacking in Birmingham.
Darise Cortez Austin, 29, of Ensley, pleaded guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in February. Austin was sentenced to 144 months in prison, on Friday, June 26, 2020.
“This sentence is another great example of our office and law enforcement partners working together to remove another violent criminal from our communities,” U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town said. “Violent criminals who plague our streets will continue to be targets for federal prosecution where the debt to society is full price. No discounts. No parole.”
ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge, Frank Haera stated, “Removing the criminal element that uses a firearm to facilitate violent crimes such as carjacking is a priority of ATF. This joint collaboration of our local, state and federal partners as part of DOJ’s national strategy “Project Guardian” aided in one less gun on the streets. This focused investigation will have a lasting impact within this community.”
According to the plea agreement, Austin, while armed with a firearm, approached a Birmingham victim outside of the victim’s apartment. While pointing the firearm at the victim, Austin took the victim’s keys, wallet, and a Taurus .357 caliber pistol. Austin then stole the victim’s 2007 Nissan Altima and left the residence. Austin used the victim’s debit card at several different places, then attempted to elude an Alabama State Trooper in Lawrence County, Alabama. While eluding the Alabama State Trooper at 102 mph, Austin wrecked the vehicle and law enforcement detained and arrested him.
ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, and ALEA. Assistant U.S Attorney Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
