ORLANDO, Fla. – A Broward County man who allegedly threatened a victim with a handsaw is facing up to 15 years for carjacking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has announced.
A federal jury found Whayname Ferdilus, 21, of Coral Springs, guilty of carjacking last week, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg said.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 19, 2023, before United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell. Ferdilus was indicted on April 22, 2021. Ferdilus faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
According to testimony presented at trial, on February 24, 2021, Ferdilus visited a car dealership in Orlando and requested to test-drive a 2021 Cadillac CT4. Because he did not have a driver license, an employee of the dealership agreed to drive the vehicle while Ferdilus sat in the passenger seat.
During the test drive, Ferdilus allegedly began rummaging through a backpack that he had between his legs and reportedly pulled out a 12-inch, serrated handsaw. Ferdilus is alleged to have threatened the driver with the handsaw and demanded the vehicle.
Reportedly, in fear for his safety, the employee fled from the vehicle with the remote key fob in his pocket. He called 911, and deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle with the help of On-Star.
Ferdilus was apprehended inside a gas station convenience store. He reportedly had the same backpack with him, and when searched, the handsaw was located inside.
During the trial, Ferdilus testified and admitted to stealing the car but denied any intention of causing harm to the victim.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez.
