Executive Summary
- Tonnaire McNair-Matthews was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison for kidnapping, carjacking, and sexual assault.
- The defendant utilized a “bump-and-rob” tactic, crashing into the victim’s car to initiate the abduction.
- The crime spanned two states, moving from Delaware to Pennsylvania, leading to federal prosecution under the Hobbs Act.
- Three co-defendants were identified in connection with the alleged robbery scheme.
Tonnaire McNair-Matthews, 26, has been sentenced to 75 years in federal prison following his conviction on charges of kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery under the Hobbs Act. Federal prosecutors announced the sentence after presenting evidence of a violent “bump-and-rob” scheme that traversed state lines from Delaware to Pennsylvania.
According to court documents and statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, McNair-Matthews was driving a stolen Jeep when he intentionally crashed into the rear of a woman’s vehicle. When the victim exited her car to inspect the damage, the defendant abducted her at gunpoint. Investigators established that McNair-Matthews forced the woman to drive from Delaware into Pennsylvania, where he raped her at gunpoint. Furthermore, prosecutors stated that he coerced the victim into revealing her personal identification number (PIN) and used her stolen credit cards at various convenience stores.
Authorities identified McNair-Matthews as a participant in a broader alleged scheme involving three co-defendants—David Hinson, Michael Caldwell, and Mahkiya Powell—designed to crash into drivers and rob them upon their exit from the vehicle. Acting Delaware U.S. Attorney Julianne Murray characterized the crime as a “calculated, predatory attack” and emphasized the survivor’s extraordinary courage. “This case demonstrates our shared commitment to thoroughly investigate violent crimes, support victims, and safeguard the people of Delaware,” said Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel William Crotty, highlighting the collaboration between the FBI, Delaware State Police, and Pennsylvania State Police.
Legal Ramifications and Public Safety
The imposition of a 75-year federal sentence reflects the judicial system’s zero-tolerance approach toward violent predatory acts that utilize interstate commerce channels, invoking the stringent penalties of the Hobbs Act. This ruling serves as a significant legal precedent for prosecuting “bump-and-rob” schemes that escalate into life-threatening abductions. While McNair-Matthews has been sentenced, the allegations against the named co-defendants highlight an ongoing focus on dismantling organized criminal groups employing these tactics. It is important to note that all individuals named as co-defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
