Tonnaire McNair-Matthews, 26, has been sentenced to 75 years in federal prison for his role in a violent kidnapping and robbery scheme. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly on November 25, 2025, following McNair-Matthews’ conviction on six charges after a July 2024 trial.
According to court records and evidence presented at the four-day trial, McNair-Matthews worked with David Hinson, Michael Caldwell, and Mahkiya Powell to target drivers by rear-ending them with a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee. After three failed attempts, they succeeded in striking a victim’s vehicle. When the victim exited her car to check for damage, McNair-Matthews abducted her at gunpoint and forced her back into her own vehicle.
He then drove the victim from Delaware into Pennsylvania against her will. During this time, he demanded access to her bank cards and PIN code, forced her to undress, and sexually assaulted her. He later raped the victim at gunpoint before abandoning her in Pennsylvania. Returning to Delaware in the stolen vehicle, he used the victim’s bank cards at convenience stores and ATMs.
McNair-Matthews later met up with his co-conspirators in Wilmington where he provided them with the stolen bank cards and firearm used during the crimes. The group cleaned out the victim’s car and stole additional items before law enforcement located them at a gas station. McNair-Matthews and Powell fled police in a high-speed chase but were eventually apprehended; McNair-Matthews was found in Maryland three days later.
Acting U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray stated: “This was a calculated, predatory attack that shattered an innocent woman’s sense of safety. The Court’s sentence delivers justice for a survivor who showed extraordinary courage. Moreover, it sends a clear message that those who terrorize our communities with violence, intimidation, and exploitation will be pursued, prosecuted, and held fully accountable. Finally, I commend the vigilant work of the FBI, the Delaware State Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police for swiftly bringing the defendant to justice.”
FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul commented: “This lengthy sentence of 75 years reflects the gravity of the atrocious crimes Tonnaire McNair-Matthews committed. He created a living nightmare for an innocent woman who was simply driving to work one morning. McNair-Matthews ruthlessly attacked, kidnapped, and raped her. He and his co-conspirators then continued their crime spree, putting even more people in harm’s way by fleeing from the quick-responding law enforcement officers who caught up with them. McNair-McMatthews repeatedly showed he has no consideration or regard for others’ safety. No doubt our Delaware citizens are safer today with him behind bars where he can no longer inflict violence and pain on others.”
Colonel William D. Crotty of the Delaware State Police said: “The Delaware State Police appreciates the collaborative efforts of federal state and local law enforcement agencies as well as dedicated work of U.S Attorney’s Office… This case demonstrates our shared commitment to thoroughly investigate violent crimes support victims safeguard people of Delaware.”
Captain Jon Sunderlin from Pennsylvania State Police added: “The Pennsylvania State Police Troop K Media Station is pleased with result sentencing hearing… This investigation was excellent example local state federal agencies working together.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime & Safe Streets Task Force along with state police departments from both states Wilmington Police Department U.S Marshals Service & Delaware Department Justice.
Further information about this case can be found on the website of the U.S Attorney’s Office for District of Delaware, as well as related court documents available through the U.S District Court for District of Delaware or via PACER.
