Two men convicted on federal charges for kidnapping woman from DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, beating her

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Two men are now facing up to life in prison for kidnapping and for beating a woman that they mistakenly believed was involved in a carjacking.

The U,S, Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that 23-year-old Cortez Blake and 24 year old Nasir Lewis were convicted in front of a federal judge this week.

Evidence presented during an eight-day trial showed that back in November of 2021 the two men, with the help of several others, plotted to kidnap a woman.

They offered her a ride from DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, but instead held her at gunpoint and drove her to an empty lot where they beat her.

The victim was then driven to Blake's home, held at gunpoint and beaten for several hours before she was left on the side of the road, prosecutors said.

“Cortez Blake and Nasir Lewis represent the 'worst of the worst' offenders calling Detroit home. There is no excuse for what they did," said said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir, in a statement.

"They kidnapped and beat a citizen of Detroit with an illegal firearm. They are common-day thugs who put their gang membership and loyalty above everything else, including their humanity. In my experience, these folks represent the most deserving candidates for federal prosecution. ATF and our law enforcement partners remain resolute in holding violent gang members who terrorize our community members accountable for gun violence."

With today’s verdicts, the feds said a total of five people have now been convicted in this case.

In addition to Blake and Lewis three others — 24-year-old Maijah Greene, 21-year-old Shatonnia Kimbrough, and 22-year-old Armond Williams — all pleaded guilty to kidnapping.

A sixth defendant, Semaj Ayers, awaits trial in this case; and a seventh, Karamoh Turner, was acquitted.

“So often, one terrible crime spins into a cycle of violence and retribution. And too often, those cycles end tragically — with death, injury, and incarceration," said U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison.

"We will continue to try to prevent violent crime in the first place, and my office is also committed to trying to interrupt cycles of violence before they spin out of control," she said. "So let me say clearly, if you are victimized, let us do our job and settle it in the courtroom. Because if you retaliate, these verdicts should make clear that we will use every tool we have to seek justice."

It's reported that the two people responsible for the carjacking that provoked this kidnapping have also been convicted on charges and sentenced to about 10 years in prison.