A man from Nashville, Tennessee, Jesse Jose Rucker, 35, received a sentence of 25 years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. This sentencing, announced by Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Robert E. McGuire, is linked to a string of carjackings and robberies that Rucker carried out in Middle Tennessee during November 2021. At the time, he was already on probation for a previous state court felony offense. Rucker has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of commercial robbery, four counts of carjacking, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Acting United States Attorney McGuire emphasized the commitment to holding violent offenders accountable, stating that the lengthy sentence would ensure Rucker does not harm others for over two decades. ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson reiterated the dedication to removing violent criminals from communities to maintain public safety. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake expressed appreciation to federal law enforcement for their partnership in ensuring community safety.
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According to court documents, Rucker began his crime spree on November 10, 2021, at the Hightail Convenience Store in Joelton, Tennessee. After threatening a clerk with a gun, he managed to steal approximately $180. The next day, Rucker committed several carjackings, beginning with one at the Woodspring Suites in Nashville. Later, he carjacked two more victims outside their home, followed by a robbery at the Harding Pharmacy.
Rucker continued his spree by carjacking another victim at lunch and subsequently robbed a Metro PCS store. He then targeted the Dubai Jewelry store, where he stole gold rings valued at $1,450. After crashing a stolen car, he attempted another carjacking but was unsuccessful due to the vehicle being disabled. Rucker’s final carjacking involved a family with young children. A police pursuit ensued, reaching speeds of up to 126 miles per hour, and ended with Rucker’s arrest after a foot chase.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens.
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