PIKEVILLE, KY – The U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Kentucky is reporting that Christopher Adam Cole, 34, of Knott County, was sentenced on Friday, February 25, 2022 to 294 months in federal prison, by United States District Judge Robert E. Wier, for charges related to two armed carjackings.
According to his plea agreement, Cole admitted to using a firearm to steal a vehicle from a victim on August 28, 2020. Cole also admitted that, just a few days later, on September 4, 2020, he stole a vehicle from another victim. During the sentencing hearing, the Court found that, on September 4, 2020, the victim had jumped on the hood of the vehicle, in an attempt to keep Cole from stealing the vehicle, and only let go when Cole pointed a gun at him. The victim sustained a broken leg and collarbone in connection with the incident.
Under federal law, Cole must serve 85 percent of his 294-month prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release. Additionally, Cole was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,120 to the victim of the September 4, 2020 carjacking.
During the September 4, 2020 carjacking, Cole was assisted by Angela “Granny” Vanover, age 44, of Perry County. Vanover pled guilty to aiding and abetting the carjacking, by driving the vehicle while it was being stolen from the victim. Vanover was also sentenced on Friday, to 126 months in federal prison. Vanover was also ordered to pay restitution the victim.
Brandi Hurt, age 28, of Perry County, who pled guilty to assisting Cole during the August 28, 2020 carjacking was previously sentenced to 67 months in federal prison.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; R. Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division; Joseph Engle, Perry County Sheriff; and Dale Richardson, Knott County Sheriff, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was completed by the ATF, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, and Knott County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance by the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew H. Trimble.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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