In a recent case in Baltimore, a man named Keith Poynter, Jr. has been sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for three robberies committed at gunpoint. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher handed down the sentence, which also includes five years of supervised release. Poynter was convicted of a robbery conspiracy, three counts of commercial robbery, conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, two counts of using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The robberies were part of a series of armed commercial robberies that took place in one day, during which Poynter fired the gun multiple times.
Background
Overview of the case
In a recent criminal case in Baltimore, Maryland, a man named Keith Poynter, Jr. was convicted and sentenced for three armed robberies committed at gunpoint. The crimes took place on December 6, 2019, and involved multiple locations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Poynter conspired with two other individuals, Benjamin Bunn, Jr. and Tiffany Gardner, to carry out these robberies. The case involved charges of robbery conspiracy, commercial robbery, conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Conviction and Sentencing
On April 24, 2023, Poynter was convicted of the aforementioned crimes by a federal jury after a four-day trial. The sentencing was held on August 17, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher. Poynter was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. This article will provide further details about the robberies, the defendants, the legal charges and pleas, the sentencing, and the involvement of various law enforcement agencies.
Details of the Robberies
Date and Locations of the Robberies
The three robberies took place on December 6, 2019, in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The first robbery occurred at a jewelry store in the 200 block of N. Howard Street. The second robbery took place at a jewelry store in the Security Square Mall in Baltimore County. The third robbery occurred at a pawn shop in the 6600 block of Reisterstown Road.
Modus Operandi
During each robbery, Poynter and his accomplices used firearms to intimidate store employees and demand jewelry and other merchandise. Poynter’s actions during the first robbery resulted in the discharge of his weapon. In the second and third robberies, he brandished a handgun and threatened violence to coerce the victims.
Presence of Store Employees
All three robberies took place in the presence of store employees. The individuals working at the jewelry stores and pawn shop were subjected to the violent actions of Poynter and his accomplices. The presence of store employees during these crimes likely added to the fear and trauma experienced by the victims.
Items Stolen
Poynter and his accomplices targeted stores selling jewelry and other valuable merchandise. During the robberies, they stole various items, including jewelry and other valuables. The exact nature and value of the stolen items were not specified in the available information.
The Defendants
Keith Poynter, Jr.
Keith Poynter, Jr., a 29-year-old resident of Baltimore, Maryland, was the primary culprit in the three robberies. He was convicted on multiple charges related to the crimes and sentenced to 26 years in federal prison, with an additional five years of supervised release.
Benjamin Bunn, Jr.
Benjamin Bunn, Jr., a 37-year-old resident of Baltimore, Maryland, was Poynter’s accomplice in the robberies. Bunn pleaded guilty to his role in the crimes a few days before the trial began. His sentencing is scheduled for September 6, 2023.
Tiffany Gardner
Tiffany Gardner, a 27-year-old resident of Baltimore, Maryland, was another accomplice in the robberies. She also pleaded guilty to her involvement and has already been sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Legal Charges and Pleas
Robbery Conspiracy
Poynter, Bunn, and Gardner were all charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. They conspired and planned to carry out the series of armed robberies targeting jewelry stores and a pawn shop.
Counts of Commercial Robbery
Poynter, Bunn, and Gardner were charged with multiple counts of commercial robbery. The specific counts were not mentioned in the available information.
Conspiracy to Use a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
All three defendants faced charges of conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. This charge highlights the premeditated use of firearms as a means to perpetrate the robberies.
Counts of Using and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Poynter, Bunn, and Gardner were charged with using and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. This involved the display and brandishing of weapons to intimidate victims and facilitate the robberies.
Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
Poynter was specifically charged with discharging his firearm during one of the robberies. This action further escalated the violence and danger of the situation.
Pleas of the Defendants
Poynter was the only defendant who went to trial, where he was subsequently found guilty. Bunn and Gardner both pleaded guilty to their roles in the robberies. Bunn will be sentenced on September 6, 2023, and Gardner has already been sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Sentencing
Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher
U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher presided over the sentencing hearing. Her role was to review the evidence, consider the perspectives of the prosecution and defense, and determine a suitable sentence for Poynter. Judge Gallagher sentenced Poynter to 26 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Length of the Federal Prison Sentence
Keith Poynter, Jr. was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison. This significant prison term reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the harm caused to the victims and the community.
Supervised Release
In addition to the prison sentence, Poynter was ordered to serve five years of supervised release. During this period, he will be subject to monitoring and must adhere to certain conditions set by the court. Supervised release aims to support the reintegration of individuals into society while ensuring public safety.
Co-conspirators’ Sentencings
Benjamin Bunn, Jr.
Benjamin Bunn, Jr. pleaded guilty to his role in the robberies a few days before the trial began. His sentencing is scheduled for September 6, 2023. The court will consider his level of involvement and cooperation with the prosecution when determining his sentence.
Tiffany Gardner
Tiffany Gardner pleaded guilty to her involvement in the robberies and has already been sentenced to five years in federal prison. Her plea and cooperation may have influenced the leniency of her sentence compared to Poynter and Bunn.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Overview of the Program
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities through the collaboration of law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The program seeks to address the root causes of crime, enhance community safety, and improve the quality of life for residents.
Core Principles and Goals
PSN is guided by core principles that include fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results. The program focuses on initiatives that prevent violence, support victims, and promote community engagement.
Relation to the Case
The case involving Keith Poynter, Jr. and his co-conspirators aligns with the goals of Project Safe Neighborhoods. The collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with the successful prosecution of individuals involved in violent crimes, demonstrates the program’s commitment to reducing crime and improving community safety.
Law Enforcement Agencies’ Contribution
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a crucial role in investigating the robberies and gathering evidence against the defendants. Their efforts were instrumental in securing convictions and ensuring that those responsible for these crimes were held accountable.
Baltimore Police Department
The Baltimore Police Department also contributed to the investigation of the robberies. Their cooperation and coordination with federal agencies were vital in gathering evidence, identifying suspects, and building the case against Poynter, Bunn, and Gardner.
Baltimore County Police Department
The Baltimore County Police Department worked in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to investigate the robberies and apprehend the defendants. Their efforts in securing the scene, gathering witness statements, and supporting the prosecution were essential to the successful outcome of the case.
Prosecution and Defense
Prosecutor: John W. Sippel, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr. played a central role as the prosecutor in this case. He presented the evidence, argued the government’s case, and sought justice on behalf of the victims, the community, and the United States. Sippel’s efforts resulted in the conviction and sentencing of Keith Poynter, Jr.
Defense Attorney(s)
The available information does not specify the identity of the defense attorney(s) who represented Keith Poynter, Jr., Benjamin Bunn, Jr., and Tiffany Gardner. However, it can be presumed that each defendant had legal representation to advocate for their interests and present any applicable defenses.
Contact Information
Marcia Lubin
Contact person: Marcia Lubin Phone: (410) 209-4854
Main Office
36 S. Charles Street 4th Fl. Baltimore, MD 21201
Southern Division
6406 Ivy Lane Suite 800 Greenbelt, MD 20770
For additional information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and available community resources, please visit their official website.
In summary, the case involving Keith Poynter, Jr. and his co-conspirators highlights the seriousness of armed robbery and the impacts it has on victims and communities. The successful investigation, prosecution, and sentencing demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring public safety and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods, play a vital role in reducing violent crime and creating safer communities.