Gang Members Who 'Terrorized' Tremont Residents Sent To Prison After Carjackings

Two members of Cleveland’s Heartless Felons street gang were sentenced to prison terms of 14 and 64 years for their parts in armed carjackings in July 2015. The men had intended to steal a car to use for a drive-by attack on fellow gang members, according to prosecutors.

U.S. Chief Judge Patricia Gaughan sentenced Kenneth Jackson Jr., 20, to 64 years in prison, and his accomplice, Antowine Palmer, 24, to 14 years. Both men were convicted earlier this year of an armed carjacking in July 2015. Jackson was also convicted of another carjacking the following day.

Palmer is currently serving a seven-year prison term for felonious assault, and will begin his federal prison time after completing that term. He also has a murder charge pending in Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court. (To stay up to date on local stories, subscribe to the Patch Cleveland newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

The jury found Jackson brandished a firearm in both attacks while Palmer used a firearm in the first carjacking. Palmer, Jackson and two other accomplices who previously pleaded guilty to related charges, pointed a loaded gun at a man as he loaded a GMC Denali. They pistol whipped the victim, then stole his wallet, credit cards and cell phone, according to prosecutors. They used his credit cards at a local department store.

“These defendants preyed on innocent people who were simply working, trying to make a living or otherwise enjoying our city,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “People who terrorize a neighborhood will be held accountable for their actions.”

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