A Chicago man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for his involvement in two retail store robberies in Illinois and Indiana. Yashmine Odom and his co-conspirators carried out the violent robberies in 2016, using force and pepper spray to intimidate store employees while they stole laptops, iPads, smart watches, and cell phones. During the robberies, Odom’s group physically assaulted and restrained the employees. On one occasion, Odom acted as the getaway driver while his accomplices stole approximately $50,000 worth of merchandise. Odom, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and robbery charges, received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Retail Store Robberies in Illinois and Indiana
Background Information
Overview of the Case
In a recent court case involving a series of retail store robberies, a Chicago man, Yashmine Odom, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison. The robberies took place in Illinois and Indiana in 2016. Odom and his co-conspirators used force and pepper spray to intimidate and restrain store employees while stealing valuable merchandise.
Co-conspirators
Odom was not acting alone in these crimes. He had a group of co-conspirators who assisted him in carrying out these robberies. The exact number of individuals involved has not been disclosed.
Methods Used for Robberies
To successfully carry out the robberies, Odom and his co-conspirators resorted to violence and intimidation. They used force and pepper spray to coerce store employees into compliance. Additionally, they physically assaulted and restrained the employees to prevent them from interfering with the theft.
Details of the Robberies
Valparaiso Simply Mac store robbery in Indiana
On December 10, 2016, Odom and his co-conspirators targeted the Simply Mac store in Valparaiso, Indiana. They entered the store and forced the employees to the back while they carried out the robbery. Odom acted as the getaway driver while his accomplices stole approximately $50,000 worth of merchandise.
Cherry Valley Simply Mac store robbery in Illinois
On December 16, 2016, Odom and eight co-conspirators traveled to the Simply Mac store in Cherry Valley, Illinois. They employed similar tactics, forcing the employees to the back of the store and using pepper spray on one of them. During this robbery, they managed to steal two computers.
Sentencing and Charges
Guilty Plea
Odom pleaded guilty to both conspiracy and robbery charges. By admitting his involvement in the crimes, he accepted responsibility for his actions and avoided a lengthy trial.
Role of the Judge
U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard presided over the case and played a crucial role in determining the outcome of Odom’s sentencing. Judge Reinhard carefully considered the evidence and arguments presented during the trial.
Sentencing Details
After deliberating on the severity of Odom’s crimes, the judge sentenced him to four years in federal prison. The sentence serves as a punishment for the robberies committed and as a deterrent to prevent future criminal activity.
Overview of the Case
Dates of the Robberies
The robberies took place in 2016, with the Valparaiso Simply Mac store robbery occurring on December 10th, and the Cherry Valley Simply Mac store robbery on December 16th.
Locations Targeted
Odom and his co-conspirators targeted Simply Mac stores in Valparaiso, Indiana, and Cherry Valley, Illinois. These locations were chosen due to the availability of valuable merchandise and the potential for a successful robbery.
Co-conspirators
Number of co-conspirators
While the exact number of individuals involved in the robberies has not been disclosed, it is known that Odom collaborated with multiple co-conspirators throughout the planning and execution of the crimes.
Involvement of Each Co-conspirator
Each co-conspirator played a specific role in carrying out the robberies. Some were directly involved in physically restraining employees or stealing the merchandise, while others may have provided logistical support or acted as lookouts.
Methods Used for Robberies
Use of Force and Pepper Spray
To ensure compliance from store employees, Odom and his accomplices used force and pepper spray. This intimidation tactic created a sense of fear and allowed them to carry out the robberies without interference.
Assault and Restraint of Employees
In addition to the use of force, Odom and his co-conspirators physically assaulted and restrained store employees during the robberies. This violent behavior aimed to intimidate and control the victims, further ensuring the success of their criminal activities.
Valparaiso Simply Mac store robbery in Indiana
Description of the Robbery
During the Valparaiso Simply Mac store robbery, Odom and his co-conspirators forced the store employees to the back of the store while they carried out the theft. Odom remained in the getaway car as his accomplices stole merchandise worth approximately $50,000.
Role of Odom
Although Odom did not directly participate in stealing the merchandise during this robbery, he served as the getaway driver. His role was crucial in ensuring a successful escape from the crime scene.
Value of Stolen Merchandise
The merchandise stolen from the Valparaiso Simply Mac store amounted to approximately $50,000. This significant loss had a detrimental impact on the store’s operations and profitability.
Cherry Valley Simply Mac store robbery in Illinois
Description of the Robbery
The Cherry Valley Simply Mac store robbery followed a similar pattern to the Valparaiso robbery. Odom and his co-conspirators forced the employees to the back of the store and used pepper spray on one of them. They managed to steal two computers before making their escape.
Role of Odom
Odom’s specific role during the Cherry Valley robbery has not been specified in the available information. However, his involvement in planning and executing the crime suggests that he played a significant role in its success.
Stolen Items
During the Cherry Valley robbery, Odom and his co-conspirators targeted and stole two computers. These items had a significant market value and could be easily sold for profit.
Sentencing Details
Length of Sentence
As a result of his guilty plea and conviction, Odom has been sentenced to four years in federal prison. This sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and aims to deter similar criminal behavior in the future.
Impact of the Sentence
The four-year prison sentence serves as both punishment for Odom’s actions and a deterrent against future retail store robberies. It also sends a clear message that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated, and those involved will face severe consequences. By imposing this sentence, the judge hopes to promote public safety and protect potential victims from similar acts of violence and theft.