Detroit, January 15, 2026
Brandon Sims, a 35-year-old man from Detroit, has been sentenced to 102 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm. The incident occurred when Sims attempted to carjack a victim’s SUV while armed. Following a thorough investigation by the FBI and local police, he was apprehended. This case highlights the dangers of carjacking and the commitment of law enforcement to combat violent crimes in the community.
Detroit Man Sentenced to 102 Months in Federal Prison for Carjacking and Firearm Charges
Detroit, Michigan – A 35-year-old Detroit man, Brandon Sims, has been sentenced to 102 months in federal prison after being convicted of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. The sentencing took place on January 14, 2026.
Details of the Crime
On October 18, 2023, Sims approached a man assisting a young woman in moving out of his residence. He entered the victim’s SUV, displayed a firearm, and attempted to carjack the vehicle. The victim resisted, pushing the gun away, which caused it to discharge. The victim fled, and Sims drove off with the young woman. Several hours later, FBI agents and the Detroit Police Department located Sims and the young woman in Pontiac, Michigan. Sims was arrested, and the stolen vehicle was recovered the following day.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Detroit Police Department’s Commercial Auto Theft Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeanine Brunson and Craig Wininger prosecuted the case. Sims was convicted on charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. emphasized the commitment to prosecuting individuals who commit violent crimes, stating that carjackers target ordinary citizens by threatening them with firearms. Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit Field Office highlighted the serious consequences for those who engage in reckless acts of violence that endanger innocent lives.
Background Context
Carjacking is a serious crime that involves forcibly taking a vehicle from its driver, often under threat or use of violence. The federal government imposes severe penalties for such offenses, especially when a firearm is involved, to deter individuals from engaging in these dangerous activities. The collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies is crucial in apprehending and prosecuting individuals involved in violent crimes, ensuring the safety of the community.
Related Legal Actions in Michigan
Michigan has seen several significant legal actions in recent years. For instance, in August 2025, Semaj Ayers, 23, of Detroit, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for federal kidnapping. In October 2024, Gabriel Antone Eberhardt, 42, of Detroit, received a 30-year federal prison sentence for drug trafficking and discharging a firearm during a drug deal. These cases reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to address and prosecute serious crimes effectively.
Conclusion
The case against Brandon Sims not only underscores the serious nature of carjacking and gun violence but also highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies at both the federal and local levels. Detroit continues to face challenges, but the resilience of its communities and entrepreneurs remains strong. It is vital for residents to stay engaged, support local initiatives, and advocate for a safer, thriving environment that fosters growth and innovation while holding individuals accountable for violent crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Brandon Sims convicted of?
- Brandon Sims was convicted of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
- When did the carjacking incident occur?
- The carjacking incident occurred on October 18, 2023.
- How long is Brandon Sims’ prison sentence?
- Brandon Sims was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison.
- Who investigated the case?
- The case was investigated by the FBI and the Detroit Police Department’s Commercial Auto Theft Section.
- What are the penalties for carjacking in Michigan?
- Carjacking is a serious crime in Michigan, carrying severe penalties, especially when a firearm is involved. Federal law imposes significant sentences for such offenses to deter individuals from engaging in these dangerous activities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Brandon Sims, 35, Detroit, Michigan |
| Convictions | Carjacking, Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence |
| Incident Date | October 18, 2023 |
| Sentence | 102 months in federal prison |
| Investigating Agencies | FBI, Detroit Police Department’s Commercial Auto Theft Section |
| Prosecutors | Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeanine Brunson and Craig Wininger |
| Related Legal Actions in Michigan | Semaj Ayers sentenced to 110 months for federal kidnapping (August 2025); Gabriel Antone Eberhardt sentenced to 30 years for drug trafficking and firearm discharge during drug deal (October 2024) |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
