Atlanta Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years for Assault on Federal Officer During Car Theft
Keith Pharms, a 26-year-old previously convicted felon known as “B-Boy,” has been sentenced to 15 years, two months, and 10 days in federal prison for assaulting a federal task force officer with a firearm during a car theft in February 2022.
According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, Pharms “callously threatened the safety of citizens and a law enforcement officer,” and was part of a coordinated car theft operation that escalated into gun violence.
On February 24, 2022, Pharms, shortly after being released from a state prison, participated in the theft of a Dodge Charger from a garage in Midtown Atlanta. Pharms and his co-defendants, including an 18-year-old driver and Jokava Harris, used a key programmer to steal the vehicle. Pharms acted as an armed escort during the crime.
An FBI task force officer, surveilling recent stolen car activity, spotted the two vehicles and followed them. Pharms fired multiple shots from the vehicle at the officer, narrowly missing the officer’s headrest as the officer pursued. The officer was ambushed and shot at again before the stolen vehicles were abandoned, and the suspects fled.
Although the vehicles were later found, Pharms and his co-defendants evaded immediate arrest. They were later apprehended, and Pharms’ co-defendants pleaded guilty to charges. During his detention awaiting trial, Pharms was found with contraband cellphones and a handcuff key, raising concerns about his potential for escape.
Pharms was convicted by a federal jury in September 2024 on charges including assault on a federal officer, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm and escape tools. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to serve over 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Atlanta Police Department, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
