Woman Sentenced to 12 Years for Peoria Shopping Center Hijacking

Taccara Dear pleaded guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking after stealing a victim's car and assaulting him.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 33-year-old woman named Taccara Dear has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for hijacking a vehicle at a Peoria, Illinois strip mall last summer. Dear pleaded guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking under a deal and received the maximum sentence possible after prosecutors argued she was disrespectful in court and failed to take responsibility for her actions.

Why it matters

Carjackings and vehicle thefts have been on the rise in many U.S. cities, leading to increased public safety concerns. This case highlights the serious legal consequences for such crimes, as well as the challenges prosecutors face in securing maximum sentences for repeat offenders who show a lack of remorse.

The details

On July 20, 2025, police responded to reports of a stolen vehicle at Sterling Plaza in Peoria. The victim told officers that Dear reached through his car window, took his keys, and fled on foot. When the victim tried to stop her, Dear struck him multiple times before driving away in the stolen vehicle. Two witnesses corroborated the victim's account. Dear was later found near the stolen car and admitted to the theft.

  • The incident occurred on July 20, 2025.
  • Dear pleaded guilty to the charges in November 2025.
  • She was sentenced to 12 years in prison on February 27, 2026.

The players

Taccara Dear

A 33-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking and received the maximum 12-year sentence.

Peoria County State's Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who argued for the maximum sentence, citing Dear's disrespectful behavior in court and failure to take responsibility.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold criminals accountable and ensure public safety in our communities.”

— Peoria County State's Attorney

What’s next

The judge's decision to impose the maximum 12-year sentence reflects the seriousness with which the court views carjacking and vehicle theft crimes in the Peoria area.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the rise in carjackings and vehicle thefts, including tough sentencing for repeat offenders, as well as efforts to address the underlying social and economic factors that can drive such crimes.