Attorney General Frosh Announces Indictments of Four Defendants for Participating in an Organized Carjacking Ring

Multi-Agency Investigation Results in Defendants Charged

Under Maryland’s Gang Crime Statute;

  Violent Carjacking Ring Flaunted Stolen Cars on Social Media

BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today announced the indictments of four defendants: Dalante Graham, 18, of Baltimore; Tyheim Gray, 19, of Baltimore; Daquan Johnson, 18, of Baltimore; and Travon Williamston, 17, of Baltimore for participating in a violent, organized carjacking ring.  The ring is alleged to have perpetrated multiple vehicle thefts in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. 

After stealing cars from their victims, the defendants would document themselves “joyriding” and posing next to the stolen vehicles, posting videos and photos on their social media accounts.  The defendants would also wear the key fobs taken from victims on their belts as trophies.  The defendants often used weapons, such as pellet guns, knives, and handguns in order to commit the carjackings and auto thefts.  In some instances, the defendants used unnecessary violence, continuing to assault victims after they had already seized control of the vehicle.  Injuries to the victims ranged from minor bruising to a fractured skull.

Members of the ring used multiple tactics to commit the carjackings.  Often, after intentionally causing superficial vehicle collisions, members of the ring would attack the victims, take their keys and personal items, and then drive away in both vehicles.  Victims were also targeted as they parked in residential or commercial areas, and while victims were walking to or from their homes to their vehicles. 

“The defendants used guns, knives, and violence to carry out their carjackings,” said Attorney General Frosh.  “They left a trail of stolen cars, stolen phones and broken bones.  They showed no remorse.  In fact, they flaunted their exploits on social media.  They face many years behind bars.”

Read more in the full press release:http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2018/081318.pdf