Thirteen people were indicted in nine separate carjacking cases in the capital, the first crimes investigated by two special task forces organized earlier this year.
The cases involved the armed theft of a total of 13 cars in all sections of the District of Columbia in the past four months, U.S. Attorney Jay Stephens said Wednesday.Twelve of the defendants were charged with armed robbery and related weapons offenses. The remaining suspect was charged with robbery and related theft offenses.
In one of the indictments, three defendants were charged with conspiracy, armed robbery and related offenses for allegedly committing four carjackings between Aug. 22 and Aug. 26.
The three allegedly stole a 1984 Oldsmobile from a 78-year-old man, seriously injuring him when they struck him in the head with a pistol.
Stephens commended the D.C. Council for enacting new legislation that provides a mandatory 15-year prison sentence for people convicted of armed carjacking. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly signed the bill Wednesday.
The law calls for mandatory minimum prison terms of seven years and fines of up to $5,000 for carjacking.
Stephens also noted that President Bush is expected to sign federal legislation passed by Congress that provides prison terms for armed carjackers in cases where the victim suffers serious injury.