Bailey Gets 22 Years for Albuquerque Robbery Spree

ALBUQUERQUE – Demetrius Antonnie Bailey, 41, will spend the next two decades behind bars after being sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for a brazen series of armed robberies that terrorized Albuquerque retail stores throughout the summer and early fall of 2023. The sentence, handed down today, carries no possibility of parole.

Between July 11th and September 16th, Bailey and an accomplice systematically targeted businesses across the city. Court documents detail robberies at Harbor Freight Tools, multiple Metro by T-Mobile locations, a T-Mobile store, a Verizon store, and even a JC Penney. The pair didn’t discriminate, brandishing a frightening arsenal – a BB gun, a toy gun, and, chillingly, a real handgun – to intimidate employees and security guards while making off with stolen goods.

The haul wasn’t petty theft. Bailey and his accomplice pilfered electronics, cell phones, cash, and clothing, amassing tens of thousands of dollars in stolen property. But the spree came to an abrupt end on September 28th, 2023, when Bailey was apprehended by authorities. Adding insult to injury, a stolen firearm was recovered in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Bailey isn’t a newcomer to the criminal justice system. He’s a repeat violent offender with prior armed robbery convictions, a fact undoubtedly weighing heavily on the judge’s decision. He ultimately pleaded guilty to a staggering 10 counts, including interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon – charges that reflect the severity and calculated nature of his crimes.

“This sentence sends a clear message: violent criminals who prey on our businesses and threaten our community will be held accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to protecting citizens and businesses from such predatory behavior. Following his release from prison, Bailey will face an additional five years of supervised release, though that offers little comfort to those he victimized.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, the Albuquerque Police Department, and the New Mexico Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Natasha Moghadam skillfully prosecuted the case, securing a significant victory for law enforcement and a measure of justice for the Albuquerque community. This case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of violent crime and the dedication required to combat it.

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