Executive Summary
- Shawn White was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison for armed carjacking.
- The defendant held a knife to a garbage truck driver’s throat before stealing the vehicle.
- Police utilized spike strips to end a pursuit that resulted in a crash into a business.
- White faces additional state charges, including second-degree attempted murder.
- Restitution of over $442,000 was ordered for the victims.
Shawn White, 45, of Clinton, Tennessee, has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison following his guilty plea for the armed carjacking of a garbage truck in 2023. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the sentencing on Tuesday, bringing a conclusion to the federal portion of a violent episode that spanned two counties.
According to court documents, White was sentenced to serve 292 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The presiding judge also ordered him to pay $442,636.13 in restitution to the victims. The charges stemmed from an incident on August 7, 2023, which began in the 500 block of Henley Street in Knoxville.
Department of Justice officials stated that White had crashed his own vehicle and flagged down a passing garbage truck, ostensibly for help. When the driver stopped to assist, White entered the passenger seat and held a knife to the driver’s throat, instructing him to drive south on Chapman Highway. During the abduction, a struggle ensued, allowing the driver to jump out of the moving truck to safety.
Investigators reported that White then took control of the heavy vehicle and drove it into Sevier County. The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office indicated that Sevierville Police deployed spike strips on West Main Street in an effort to halt the fleeing truck. The pursuit ended when White crashed the stolen vehicle into a building on Dolly Parton Parkway, causing significant property damage.
In addition to the federal conviction, White faces separate state charges related to the incident, including second-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault, and driving under the influence. He is scheduled to appear in court regarding these matters on January 15.
Legal Ramifications and Dual Jurisdiction
This case exemplifies the severity with which the federal justice system addresses violent carjackings, particularly those involving commercial vehicles and weapons. The significant 292-month sentence and substantial restitution order reflect the danger posed to the community during the erratic pursuit across jurisdictional lines. As the legal process shifts to the local courts, the focus will turn to the specific allegations of violence against the driver and the endangerment of the public. It is important to note that regarding the pending state charges of attempted murder and assault, the defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
