Man Sentenced To Three Years For Threatening A Witness In His Brother's Federal Case

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Jermaine Carr, 34, of Riverdale, Illinois, received a three-year sentence in federal prison for tampering with a witness in his brother’s federal case. The witness was assisting law enforcement officers with the investigation into Jermaine Carr’s brother, Daniel Carr, for heroin trafficking. Jermaine Carr called the witness and threatened to burn his house down and told him he was going to die. The three-year term of imprisonment represented the maximum sentence that could be imposed for tampering with a witness. Carr pled guilty to the offense in January 2016. His brother, Daniel Carr, pled guilty in April 2016 to conspiracy to distribute heroin.

          At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff emphasized the importance of federal witnesses being protected against threats and harassment by angry defendants and family members. She stated that Carr is a danger to society based not only on the seriousness of this offense but also in part on a long string of domestic violence assaults, including with strangulation.

          In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles stated, “When we work with witnesses in federal cases, we make their safety a priority. Any threats or harassment of our witnesses will be dealt with seriously.”

          This case was investigated jointly by the Battle Creek Police Department and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tessa K. Hessmiller prosecuted the case.

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