25 Years for Shockingly Violent Kidnapping Plot

Donte Davon Stanley of Rosedale, Baltimore County, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in a "shockingly violent" kidnapping and carjacking. Federal prosecutors described the crime as "horrific," involving elaborate planning and the impersonation of police officers. Stanley and a co-defendant targeted a check-cashing store employee in May 2021, believing she possessed significant sums of money.

The perpetrators used fake police vests and badges, diverting the victim to a secluded street. They then used flashing lights and sirens to pull her over, handcuffed, blindfolded, and zip-tied her. During the approximately five-hour ordeal, the victim was tortured with a blowtorch, suffering permanent disfigurement and burns. She was eventually dumped and left for dead.

In court, Judge Brendan Hurson condemned the actions as "grotesque, depraved, and reprehensible conduct." Despite the severity, the judge imposed a sentence within the lower range of guidelines. The victim, too shaken to attend the sentencing, shared a statement detailing her ongoing anxiety, depression, and fear due to the permanent physical and psychological scars. Stanley maintained his innocence, expressing sorrow for the victim's suffering.