Feds tout success in bringing Chicago carjacking cases: 'Offenders fear being sentenced in federal court'

U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois speaks during a news conference with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justices building on April 01, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Photo credit (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

By Craig Dellimore

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Federal prosecutors in Chicago announced charges against three carjacking suspects Friday as they talked about how they’re trying to help stem violent crime here.

In just the past week, federal prosecutors have obtained indictments against three people in two separate Chicago carjacking cases. U.S. Attorney John Lausch said federal carjacking cases have a higher standard of proof — but can have tougher penalties.

“What we typically hear — what we always hear — is that offenders fear being sentenced in federal court. They fear leaving Illinois to serve their sentences elsewhere,” he tells WBBM Newsradio.

Lausch also said federal authorities can hold defendants before they go to trial, keeping the public safe, something he calls a “big value-add from us.”

Lausch said his office may best be known for public corruption cases like investigation that brought the downfall of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. But he said his office really focuses on combating violent crimes — carjackings, in particular.

He credits Chicago, state police and other federal agencies with becoming more effective in the effort.

In two of the latest cases, 20-year-old Trimane O. Kimbrough of Chicago is charged with one count of carjacking and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and Allen Clay, 20, and 25-year-old Naronn Cain are each charged with one count of carjacking and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Each count of carjacking alone could result in up to 15 years in prison, if the defendants are convicted, prosecutors said.