JUDGE ORDERS LONGEST PRISON SENTENCE OF HIS CAREER AS A JUDGE TO ARMED CAR-JACKER

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A nineteen year old Birmingham man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court for two car-jackings and federal firearms violations. DERROL RAY SHAW will serve Thirty-Seven and a half years in prison for two car-jackings and for using a firearm in furtherance of his violent crimes. United States District Court Judge U.W. Clemon stated in Court that SHAW has shown no remorse for the crimes, and that he SHAW received the longest sentence he had ever imposed during his career as a Judge.

"Violent offenders belong in a prison cell and out of our communities," said U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. "Terrorizing citizens is not acceptable behavior and receives dire consequences."

SHAW was indicted in November 2006, after he car-jacked a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander on May 18, 2006, in Jefferson County, while in possession of and using a firearm. Before being arrested for the first crime, SHAW car-jacked a 2006 Dodge Stratus also while in possession of and using a firearm on May 26, 2006. Both car-jackings took place near apartment complexes, and in both instances female drivers were approached by SHAW with a gun drawn, and they were ordered by him to turn over possession of their vehicles. Neither female was injured in the ordeals. SHAW was captured after a Birmingham Police Officer stopped him and called for back-up. A chase followed and SHAW was arrested on June 15, 2006, and has remained in police custody. In January 2007, SHAW confessed to the crimes and entered a guilty plea to all the charges. As a part of the plea agreement, SHAW waives any right to appeal.

"Car-jacking is a terrifying event," said Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Birmingham Field Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation. "I encourage all citizens to be aware of their surroundings at all times, but especially in parking lots, and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement."

Federal law provides for consecutive sentence enhancements for using a firearm in violation of a violent crime. The law also provides an enhancement of a consecutive 25 year sentence for the second use of a firearm during a violent crime. U.S. Attorney Martin adds, "Federal Firearm Statutes, which provide for enhancements for repeat offenders and violent offenders are useful tools. I encourage all local police departments to become familiar with the statutes and utilize them." For more information on these statutes or Alabama ICE (Isolate the Criminal Element) please visit our website listed above.

Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Birmingham Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States L. James Weil, Jr., prosecuted the matter on behalf of the U.S. Government.