Crip Gang Members Sentenced in Gas Station Robbery Spree

Three Crip gang-affiliated men from Montgomery — Tremane Darnell Carthen (37), Kevin Levarius Martin (27), and Scottie Jeroma Groce (26) — have been sentenced for a violent crime spree that terrorized gas stations across central Alabama. Armed and unrelenting, the trio targeted convenience stores in North Elmore County, Wetumpka, and Autauga County in July 2014, brandishing firearms and threatening employees during each heist.

U.S. District Judge Kristi K. Dubose handed down brutal terms: Martin was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Carthen and Groce each received 57 years and one month behind bars, plus five years of supervision. The sentences reflect the severity of the crimes and the federal crackdown on violent gang activity in the region.

The men were indicted in November 2015 on charges of conspiracy, robbery, and using firearms during violent crimes. Their rampage included the armed robbery of the Chevron Service Station on U.S. Highway 31 North in Prattville, the Chevron on Alabama Highway 143 in Elmore County, and the Marathon Service Station on Coosa River Parkway in Wetumpka. Surveillance footage and witness testimony painted a chilling picture of masked men wielding guns and demanding cash.

Martin pleaded guilty in August 2016 to conspiracy, robbery, and brandishing a firearm during the crimes. Carthen and Groce went to trial in September 2016 and were found guilty by a jury on all counts — including conspiracy, armed robbery, and pointing firearms at victims during the assaults. Prosecutors emphasized the psychological toll on workers who were forced to comply under threat of death.

“People should be free from the fear of violence in their homes and businesses,” said U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. “These lengthy sentences should give pause to those hoodlums who dare invade our homes and businesses.” Beck underscored his office’s commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and removing illegal firearms from circulation.

ATF Montgomery Resident Agent in Charge Jennifer Rudden Conway called the investigation a turning point. “This case will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms-related gang violence in the tri-county area,” she said. The probe involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Elmore and Autauga County Sheriff’s Offices, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Wetumpka Police Department, and Alabama Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan R. Redmond and Steven Lee led the prosecution.

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