Scranton Econo Lodge Robbery: Robinson Gets 7 Years

SCRANTON, PA – Justice, though delayed, finally arrived for the February 13, 2016, armed robbery of the Econo Lodge in Scranton. Kelvin Robinson, 25, of Newport News, Virginia, will spend the next seven years behind bars after being sentenced by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion. The sentence comes after Robinson pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during a violent crime.

The robbery wasn’t a solo act. According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Robinson was part of a four-man crew. Tracy Whiting, 24, of Newport News, Virginia; Kwa’shon Roane, 24, of Gloucester, Virginia; and Rodney Whiting, 23, of Scranton, were also indicted by a grand jury in March 2016. All three have since copped pleas and are awaiting their own sentencing dates, suggesting deals were cut to secure testimony against others.

Details of the robbery itself remain scarce in official releases, but the fact that it triggered a multi-agency investigation speaks to its brazenness. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) took the lead, working alongside the Scranton Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Even smaller local departments, including those from Taylor Borough and Moosic Borough, chipped in, indicating a significant manpower commitment to cracking the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara steered the prosecution, building the case that ultimately led to Robinson’s conviction and lengthy prison term. The investigation wasn’t a quick win; it took years to bring the perpetrators to justice. This underscores the complex nature of violent crime investigations and the dedication required from law enforcement.

This case wasn’t just about one robbery. It falls under the umbrella of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district-wide initiative designed to aggressively combat violent crime throughout the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The VCRP brings together federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated effort to identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals involved in violent acts. It’s a clear signal that authorities are determined to tackle the root causes of crime and keep the streets safer.

While Robinson’s seven-year sentence provides a measure of closure, the cases of Tracy Whiting, Kwa’shon Roane, and Rodney Whiting remain open. Expect further sentencing announcements in the coming weeks, potentially revealing more details about the planning and execution of the Econo Lodge robbery, and the roles each man played in the criminal enterprise. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.