Convicted Kidnapper Sentenced to 75 Years in Federal Prison

Wilmington, Delaware – Julianne E. Murray, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that, on November 25, 2025, Tonnaire McNair-Matthews, 26, was sentenced to a total of 900 months—or 75 years—in federal prison for six offenses, including kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, and related firearms offenses.  McNair-Matthews was convicted on all counts after a trial in July 2024.  Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.

According to court records and evidence presented at the four-day trial, McNair-Matthews conspired with David Hinson, 23, Michael Caldwell, 21, and Mahkiya Powell, 20, to rear-end unsuspecting drivers with a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee and then rob the drivers when they got out to inspect their vehicles for damage.  After three unsuccessful attempts, McNair-Matthews rear-ended the victim’s vehicle.  When the victim got out, McNair-Matthews abducted her at gunpoint, forcing her back into the passenger seat of her own vehicle.

McNair-Matthews then drove the victim, against her will, from Delaware into Pennsylvania.  During the ride, McNair-Matthews demanded the PIN code for the victim’s bank cards, forced her to disrobe, and digitally penetrated her against her will.  McNair-Matthews then stopped the vehicle and forcibly raped the victim at gunpoint.  Ultimately, McNair-Matthews abandoned the victim in Pennsylvania.  He drove her vehicle back to Delaware, where he visited various convenience stores and used her stolen bank cards and PIN code to withdraw money from ATMs.

McNair-Matthews then reunited with Hinson, Powell, and Caldwell in Wilmington.  Once there, he provided his co-conspirators with the victim’s bank cards and PIN, as well as the firearm he had used in the carjacking and rape.  Hinson, Powell, and Caldwell then cleaned the victim’s car and stole her purse.  After McNair-Matthews changed clothes in an attempt to evade detection, the four men met up at a Wilmington gas station, where law enforcement located them. As soon as law enforcement arrived, McNair-Matthews and Powell fled, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase in the stolen Jeep.  McNair-Matthews and Powell temporarily evaded capture, but McNair-Matthews was found in Maryland just three days later.

“This was a calculated, predatory attack that shattered an innocent woman’s sense of safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Murray.  “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.”

“This lengthy sentence of 75 years reflects the gravity of the atrocious crimes Tonnaire McNair-Matthews committed,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul.  “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-Matthews 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.”

“The Delaware State Police appreciates the collaborative efforts of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the dedicated work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Delaware Department of Justice in securing a meaningful sentence for this violent crime,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police.  “This case demonstrates our shared commitment to thoroughly investigate violent crimes, support victims, and safeguard the people of Delaware.”

“The Pennsylvania State Police Troop K, Media Station is pleased with the result of the sentencing hearing and that justice was served on behalf of the victim,” said Captain Jon Sunderlin of the Pennsylvania State Police.  “This investigation was an excellent example of local, state, and federal agencies working together.”

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, the Delaware State Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wilmington Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Delaware Department of Justice.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Samuel S. Frey, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Dunn.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.