Akiem Howard, Armed Robberies, New York 2020

SYRACUSE, NY – Akiem Howard, 24, is headed to federal prison for over two decades after pleading guilty to a spree of armed robberies targeting corner stores in Syracuse. Howard was sentenced today to 250 months – that’s 20 years and 10 months – by U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.

The sentencing stems from two robberies committed in December 2020. On December 13th, Howard, along with an accomplice, held up a Syracuse corner store at gunpoint. Less than a week later, on December 21st, Howard struck again, this time with Chantal Jaquez, less than a fifth of a mile from an elementary school. This time, the robbery turned violent. Howard opened fire with a revolver as they fled, striking Jaquez in the leg. Jaquez previously received 111 months in federal prison for her role in the December 21st robbery, sentenced August 18, 2022.

Federal prosecutors detailed that Howard’s criminal activity didn’t stop there. He also admitted to committing three additional armed robberies on December 19, 2020, bringing the total number of targeted businesses to five. The charges included violations of the Hobbs Act – robbing businesses engaged in interstate commerce – and using firearms in furtherance of violent federal crimes. The investigation was a joint effort between the Syracuse Police Department (SPD), the ATF’s New York Field Division, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

“This isn’t just about robbing stores; it’s about the fear Howard instilled in the community and the willingness to use violence,” stated Carla B. Freedman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, in a press release. “The length of this sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and our commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe.” ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the ATF’s dedication to combating violent crime.

Following his prison term, Howard will face a three-year period of supervised release. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice recently bolstered PSN with a new strategy focused on building trust, supporting community organizations, and prioritizing strategic enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe prosecuted the case. The brazen daylight robbery near an elementary school, and the subsequent shooting, clearly demonstrated a disregard for public safety, factors heavily considered during sentencing. The SPD-CID and SPD-Intel units played a vital role in building the case against Howard, alongside the federal agencies involved.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Clifton Earl Jiles, False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm, Minnesota 2022

Apr 9, 2026

Weapons

James Smith, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, NY 2016

Feb 10, 2017

Weapons

Marwin Uriah Wilson, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2016

Dec 20, 2016

Weapons

Ethan Blue Bird, Firearm Possession, South Dakota 2022

Apr 9, 2026