United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the sentencing of Mason Williams-Surzano, a 20-year-old from Philadelphia, to nine years in prison. This decision was made by United States District Court Judge Karen S. Marston following Williams-Surzano's guilty plea in September to charges related to two armed carjackings and aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The incidents occurred on December 13 and 14, 2023. The first carjacking took place at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Brill Street, where Williams-Surzano and three accomplices confronted Victim 1 at gunpoint, seizing a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The vehicle was later recovered by police nearby.
A few hours later, at around 1:10 a.m., the group targeted Victim 2 on Sparks Street, taking a 2017 Kia Forte under similar circumstances.
U.S. Attorney Romero emphasized the threat posed by such crimes: “Imagine staring down the barrel of a gun as a criminal crew demands your car,” she stated. She highlighted ongoing efforts with the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force to address these threats.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. Launched in May 2021, PSN focuses on building trust within communities, supporting preventive community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Philadelphia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Miller and Kwambina I. Coker are leading the prosecution.