A 34-year-old Indianapolis man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies targeting six city businesses, according to a news release from the United States Department of Justice issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, Javonte Smith pleaded guilty to a crime spree that occurred between November 21 and December 2, 2023, at two Family Dollar restaurants, a McDonald’s restaurant, two Walmart stores, and a Kroger grocery. He stole $14,797.
On December 2, 2023, officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department apprehended Smith inside a Motel 6 following the final robbery at the Kroger. He was dressed in apparel that matched the CCTV footage from the robberies. Officers discovered disguises and a black Taurus handgun in Smith’s truck, along with keys to a stolen GMC Terrain.
Smith’s previous crimes included resisting law enforcement, fraud, robbery, and driving while inebriated, which barred him from legally carrying a handgun.
Statements
“This defendant terrorized hard-working people just trying to do their jobs and earn a living. Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his violent crime spree was brought to an end, and he will now face serious federal prison time. This office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of repeat offenders who use firearms to commit violence in our communities.”
Tom Wheeler, U.S. attorney for the Indianapolis-based office for the Southern District of Indiana
“This sentence reflects the serious consequences awaiting those who choose violence and intimidation to commit their crimes. His action put lives at risk and threatened the safety of our community. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and get them – and the illegal weapons they carry – off our streets.”
