Shia Lee, a 35-year-old resident of North Carolina, has confessed to the armed carjacking incident that took place in December 2020 involving an off-duty South Carolina police detective and his wife.
On December 19, 2020, Lee allegedly carjacked the couple as they made a stop at a rest area on I-26 near Orangeburg in order to switch drivers, according to prosecutors.
According to reports, Lee supposedly brandished a gun at the woman, compelling her to step out of the car. Afterward, he proceeded to get into their Jeep Cherokee and instructed the off-duty detective to vacate the vehicle.
After gaining control of the vehicle, Lee fled from the rest stop while in possession of the detective’s duty weapon and police badge.
Lee was arrested by authorities the next day for his alleged involvement in another car theft. This arrest took place when the authorities responded to a gas station in Branchville.
The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lee left the car outside Branchville and proceeded to steal another car that had been left running outside a nearby gas station.
Lee was arrested after leading officers on a high-speed chase.
According to FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic, Lee’s actions have posed a significant threat to the victims, law enforcement, and the general public.
The potential consequences for Lee include a range of penalties. If convicted, he could potentially face life in federal prison, with a minimum sentence of seven years. Additionally, he may be subject to a fine of up to $250,000 and required to provide restitution to the victims. Following his imprisonment, Lee could also be placed under supervision for a period of five years.
U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis has accepted Lee’s guilty plea and will proceed to sentence him once she has reviewed the sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.