Armed robber sentenced to 30 years for 2023 crime spree in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A 34-year-old Indianapolis man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies targeting six businesses in the city, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release issued Thursday.

The release said Javonte Smith pleaded guilty to a crime spree from Nov. 21, 2023, to Dec. 2, 2023, at two Family Dollar stores, a McDonald’s restaurant, two Walmart stores, and a Kroger grocery. He stole $14,797.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers on Dec. 2, 2023, caught Smith at a Motel 6 following the final robbery at the Kroger. He was wearing clothing that matched surveillance footage from the robberies. Officers found disguises and a black Taurus handgun in Smith’s vehicle, as well as keys to a stolen GMC Terrain.

Smith’s prior convictions include resisting law enforcement, fraud, robbery, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm.

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.”

Timothy O’Malley, FBI Indianapolis special agent in charge

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