Alleged 40th Street carjacker's case goes federal

The case of the suspect connected to a carjacking and gun battle on campus last year has gone federal.

On Sept. 23, United States prosecutors filed a complaint against Leslie Mosby — the carjacker arrested at 39th and Walnut streets last November — seeking to try him in federal court. The filing came just days before his trial was scheduled to take place in state court.

TIMELINE: Mosby’s court process

Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Dennis McCloskey said the federal courts “swooped in” last minute, and decided to try him in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under Magistrate Judge Carol Sandra Moore Wells because carjacking “is under their jurisdiction.” Wells is a 1985 Penn Law School graduate.

Mosby is being charged with the robbery of a motor vehicle and the possession, use, and aiding and abetting of two different firearms.

Just before 3 a.m. on Nov. 21, 2010, Mosby allegedly carjacked a silver 2000 Cadillac Deville at 50th and Arch streets. Minutes later, the car crashed into the barriers located at 40th Street and Locust Walk. He then reportedly dropped his weapon and ran across High Rise field before being apprehended.

He was with Karl Sappleton who allegedly shot at police on campus before they shot and killed Sappleton. The police who shot Sappleton were cleared earlier this year of any wrongdoing.

Charles Doerrer, special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,stated in an affidavit that he believes there is probable cause that Mosby has violated both counts. However, a final verdict has not yet been reached.

Neither the plaintiff’s attorney Tom Zaleski nor Mosby’s attorney Catherine Henry could be reached for comment after multiple requests.

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