Alex Josephs, Others, Violent Robberies, Connecticut 2021

Four men from Hartford have been charged in connection with a string of violent robberies of AT&T stores in Connecticut and western Massachusetts.

Alex Josephs, 21, Ronaldo Smith, 23, Shaquille Raymond, 23, and Deshawn Baugh, 19, are accused of committing a series of armed robberies of AT&T stores, where they would point guns at employees and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise.

The indictment charges Josephs, Smith, Raymond, and Baugh with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least seven years of imprisonment.

The group allegedly robbed AT&T stores in Newington on January 29, Enfield on February 24, Canton on April 15, and West Springfield, Massachusetts on June 6, 2021. They also attempted to rob stores in Torrington on May 15 and Glastonbury on May 29, but were locked out of the stores.

The suspects were arrested on June 6, 2021, after fleeing from the West Springfield robbery and leading police on a high-speed chase that ended when their vehicle collided with a Massachusetts State Police cruiser. A search of the vehicle revealed a semiautomatic rifle, three handguns, and merchandise stolen during the robbery.

U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police and several local police departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

Saviana Bourne, 23, of Middletown, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and other charges, is also linked to the robberies.

The indictment charges Josephs, Smith, Raymond, and Baugh with multiple counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

Josephs, Smith, Raymond, and Baugh have been detained in Massachusetts state custody since their arrests.

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