United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Nateirah Ortiz, a 25-year-old from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. The sentence was delivered by United States District Court Judge Chad F. Kenney for charges including carjacking, using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Ortiz was indicted in April and pleaded guilty in August to carjacking an individual on January 31, 2024, in South Philadelphia. She admitted to using a firearm during the offense. According to court documents, the victim reported being carjacked on Washington Avenue when Ortiz demanded his car keys at gunpoint before fleeing in his vehicle.
The incident was quickly reported via police radio. Later that evening, police officers spotted the stolen vehicle on Kensington Avenue but Ortiz fled at high speed when approached. The vehicle was later found crashed on Richmond Street where Ortiz was apprehended nearby with a loaded handgun recovered from under a parked van.
“Gunpoint carjackings are terrifying for victims and unsettling for the entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “That’s why this office will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Philadelphia Police Department and ATF to prosecute these violent offenders.”
Eric DeGree from the ATF Philadelphia Field Division commented on Ortiz's return to prison for her actions and highlighted ongoing efforts with local law enforcement to hold offenders accountable.
Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in addressing violent crime effectively.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through coordinated efforts among law enforcement and community organizations.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Philadelphia Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony J. Carissimi and Robert E. Eckert.