Andre Hamilton, Cell Phone Store Robbery, Indiana 2019

An Indianapolis man has been sentenced to 10 years and 1 day in federal prison for robbing a cell phone store in Indianapolis, Indiana.

On February 9, 2018, Andre Hamilton, 24, entered a Boost Mobile cell phone store located on North Michigan Road in Indianapolis, Indiana, wearing a mask over the lower portion of his face and armed with a revolver. He demanded cash from the store’s register and fired his revolver into the ceiling of the store before fleeing in a vehicle.

Thanks to the quick response of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and assisting officers with the Indiana State Police, Hamilton was apprehended shortly thereafter in the getaway car.

Hamilton was found guilty of one count of Interference with Commerce by Means of Robbery and one count of discharging a Firearm during a Crime of Violence. The case was heard by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.

The 10-year sentence in this case followed an investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting those who engage in violent crime involving firearms, as outlined in the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 2.3.

“Cell phone store robberies have declined since federal and local law enforcement involvement,” said United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler. “It is imperative that individuals contemplating such heinous crimes know that these acts will not be tolerated and that they will be held accountable for their actions.”

The safety of shoppers, employees, and all citizens is of paramount importance, according to Minkler. He also stated that law enforcement must continue to aggressively investigate such cases in order to protect the public.

An investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led to Hamilton’s conviction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Pamela Domash and Kendra Klump.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked together to bring Hamilton to justice. “Violent crime remains a significant priority for the FBI and we are committed to identifying and pursuing individuals who utilize firearms for criminal purposes and put residents in danger,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.

Chief Bryan Roach of the IMPD stated that the agency will continue to leverage federal partnerships and the cell phone co-op to identify ways in increasing safety. “We’ve made tremendous strides in the number of cell phone robberies as indicative in today’s announcement,” said Roach.

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting those who engage in violent crime involving firearms.

The case was heard by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker on July 11, 2019.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/cell-phone-store-robber-convicted-federal-court