PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia man has been arrested on federal murder-for-hire charges.
Darnell Jackson, 47, is behind bars after allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said Jackson, who goes by "Major Change" on the streets, tried to arrange the killing last week.
“The government alleges that on July 19th, just one week ago, Jackson told another individual he was willing to pay $5,000 to have someone murdered," said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams at a news conference with Philadelphia Police and the FBI.
"He allegedly sent a photograph of his intended victim to this other individual.”
According to court documents cited by the federal officials, Jackson was told that the intended victim was killed on Wednesday, but the killing never happened.
Federal officials said that Jackson was going to meet and pay the man who had attempted to kill the person Jackson had targeted.
However, law enforcement stopped Jackson at 65th Street and Guyer Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. Officers found a Glock-style ghost gun, ammunition and much less than $5,000, according to federal officials. The officers then arrested Jackson.
Williams had a message for anyone thinking of committing an act of gun violence.
“Don’t do it. If you do, we will find you," said Arbittier Williams.
"We will (use) all of our resources and skill and hard work toward taking you off the street and proving our case, and you will find yourself in prison, potentially for decades.”
Arbittier Williams said the arrest was the result of the federal "All Hands on Deck" initiative, announced in April. The effort is designed to go after Philadelphia's most dangerous criminals.
"I’m sure it may seem to some that trying to fight back against the violence in this city is like drinking from a fire hose," she admitted, but she said the arrest is an example that they will continue the fight.
Jackson is also charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on both charges.
Editor’s update, March 3, 2025:
In February 2023, Jackson was found guilty of using interstate commerce facilities in the solicitation of a murder-for-hire plot, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. In January 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison and three years of probation.