Kevon Lockerman Sentenced to Seven Years for Armed Robbery Attempt at DC Smoke Shop

WASHINGTON – The grimy streets of Washington D.C. saw a chilling end today as Kevon Lockerman, 29, was sentenced to seven years behind bars for his brazen attempt at armed robbery in a Northeast smoke shop.

In a stunning reversal of roles, the defendant, who once tried to sell marijuana, instead found himself facing charges of armed robbery with a knife. Superior Court Judge Erik Christian handed down the sentence on April 5, 2024, adding five years of supervised release to the harsh judgment.

The crime began last June when Lockerman and an unnamed accomplice attempted to establish their own ‘business’ within the confines of a smoke shop on West Virginia Avenue NE. According to government evidence, the duo’s intentions were clear: they brought along a scale, a knife, and marijuana with which to barter.

However, when the store’s clerk walked in, Lockerman’s plans quickly turned sour. The surveillance footage revealed a tense encounter where Lockerman and his accomplice tried but failed to sell their wares. In a chilling turn of events, as the complainant spoke with the clerk, Lockerman handed over the knife to his compatriot. When the complainant attempted to leave, both men blocked his path, brandishing the weapon, and the cash was exchanged.

After escaping together, the traumatised victim returned to the store in tears, reporting a robbery. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) acted swiftly, apprehending Lockerman near the scene three weeks later. Today’s sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who choose violence over legitimate business endeavors.

U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, MPD, praised the relentless efforts of the investigators and prosecutors involved in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Iris McCranie led the investigation, while Elizabeth Van Haasteren and Matthew Goldstein prosecuted the charge. The court’s decision sends a clear message: crime doesn’t pay, especially when it results in armed confrontation.