CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to nearly ten years in federal prison for committing an armed carjacking in Chicago.
The carjacking occurred on Oct. 23, 2024, on a street in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. The victim and a companion—who played a part in the carjacking—were sitting in the victim’s idling Dodge Challenger when the companion reached over to the gear shift to attempt to place the Challenger into park. The victim and the companion struggled over the gear shift. JAMES HAMPTON and ANDY COLON, JR. then approached the vehicle and brandished firearms. Hampton told the victim, “Don’t be stupid,” meaning that he would shoot the victim if he did not comply with his demands. Hampton and Colon stole the victim’s watch, gold necklace, and cell phone before they and the companion drove off in the Challenger. They were arrested a short time later after Chicago Police gave chase.
Unbeknownst to the victim, the companion—MELIZA CALDERON—had been communicating with another individual about setting up the carjacking. The other individual allegedly told Calderon that he would send “the guys” to “handle it.”
Hampton, 19, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal carjacking and firearm charges. On Sept. 3, 2026, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey sentenced Hampton to nine years and nine months in federal prison.
Hampton’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.
Colon pleaded guilty earlier this year to carjacking and firearm charges. Judge Blakey set Colon’s sentencing for Sept. 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Calderon pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy, carjacking, and firearm charges. Judge Blakey set Calderon’s sentencing for Oct. 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Northern District of Illinois — U.S. Department of Justice press release.