A Boston man has been charged with robbing three businesses in the city. Akeem Lahens, 33, is accused of committing a series of armed robberies in late April and early May. The robberies took place at Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless in Jamaica Plain, as well as Dunkin Donuts in Dorchester. Law enforcement believes that these crimes are connected, as the suspect’s appearance in surveillance footage and witness descriptions is consistent. Lahens was already in state custody on related charges and will make an appearance in federal court at a later date. If convicted, Lahens could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Boston Man Charged with Robbing Three Businesses
Curious about your city’s darkest crime stories? Dive in here!
Background Information
In recent news, a Boston man named Akeem Lahens has been charged with robbing three businesses in the city. Lahens, 33 years old, is currently in state custody on related charges and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. The robberies occurred in late April and early May 2023, with the first one taking place at Boost Mobile in Jamaica Plain on April 26. This was followed by the armed robbery of Cricket Wireless in Jamaica Plain on April 27, and then the armed robbery of Dunkin Donuts in Dorchester on May 4. Law enforcement officials believe that these robberies are connected and that Lahens is the likely perpetrator.
Official Government Websites
When seeking information on this case, it is important to rely on official government websites. These websites, denoted by the .gov domain, belong to official government organizations in the United States. They are secure, using HTTPS to ensure that your connection is safe. It is always recommended to share sensitive information only on these official and secure websites. In the case of Akeem Lahens’ charges, you can find reliable information on the website of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Charging Documents and Robberies
According to the charging documents, Lahens allegedly committed a series of commercial armed robberies in Boston. During each robbery, Lahens brandished two large knives, made verbal demands for money, forcibly took money from the store, and forced or attempted to force the victims into a rear room or bathroom of the establishment. These robberies took place at Boost Mobile in Jamaica Plain on April 26, Cricket Wireless in Jamaica Plain on April 27, and Dunkin Donuts in Dorchester on May 4. Law enforcement officials have connected these three incidents based on surveillance footage and witness descriptions, which indicated that the suspect’s appearance remained consistent throughout.
Arrest and Recovery of Evidence
On May 5, 2023, Akeem Lahens was arrested on state charges related to the armed robberies. Shortly after his arrest, law enforcement conducted a search of Lahens’ residence in Dorchester on May 6, 2023. During the search, they recovered two knives and sandals that were allegedly worn by the robber during the April 26, 2023 robbery. This evidence provides further support for the charges against Lahens and strengthens the case against him.
Arrest on State Charges
Akeem Lahens’ initial arrest was made on state charges related to the armed robberies. However, due to the severity and connection of the crimes, Lahens is now facing federal charges as well. This means that he will appear in both state and federal court to face justice for his actions. The coordination between state and federal law enforcement agencies ensures that individuals who commit crimes that affect both the local community and interstate commerce are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Search of Lahens’ Residence
During the search of Akeem Lahens’ residence, law enforcement officials discovered two knives and sandals that were allegedly worn by the robber during one of the armed robberies. This is significant evidence that links Lahens to the crimes. It shows that he possessed the weapons used in the robberies, further supporting the charges against him. The recovery of this evidence strengthens the case and provides the prosecution with more ammunition in their pursuit of justice.
Previous Conviction and Federal Supervised Release
At the time of the armed robberies, Akeem Lahens was on federal supervised release for a previous conviction. He had pleaded guilty on April 26, 2021, in the Southern District of New York to five counts of robbery. As a result of his guilty plea, Lahens was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. This prior conviction and release make Lahens’ current charges even more serious, as it demonstrates a pattern of criminal behavior.
Delve deep into your city’s gritty crime tales; click now!
Lahens’ Prior Guilty Plea
Akeem Lahens’ prior guilty plea in the Southern District of New York indicates that he has a history of criminal behavior. The fact that he had been convicted of five counts of robbery speaks to his propensity for engaging in illegal activities. This prior guilty plea will likely have an impact on his current charges and potential sentencing. Prosecutors may argue that Lahens is a repeat offender and therefore should face harsher penalties to ensure public safety and deter future criminal actions.
Contact Information
For more information about the case of Akeem Lahens and the charges he faces for robbing three businesses in Boston, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information on the case and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, if you have any information about these robberies or any other criminal activity, please reach out to law enforcement authorities. Your cooperation can help bring justice to those affected by these crimes and contribute to the safety of the community.
Eager to uncover your city’s sinister side? Explore the latest crime news here!