Armed Robbery Rocks Columbia Hotel: Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty to Crime
A brazen armed robbery at the Staybridge Suites Hotel in Columbia, Missouri, has led to a guilty plea by an Oklahoma man. Darrell Eugene Black, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing a stolen firearm.
The crime occurred on May 31, 2017, at approximately 1:50 a.m. Black entered the hotel, pointed a Springfield 9mm handgun at the clerk, and demanded money. The clerk complied, handing over approximately $200. Black then attempted to intimidate the clerk, threatening to shoot her if she did not open the hotel safe. However, the clerk informed him that only the manager had the key.
Black became agitated and attempted to tie the clerk’s hands behind her back. He disconnected the phone cord and ordered her to lie on the ground. The clerk was left facing the wall for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, during which time her feet became numb. She managed to call the police once Black had left the scene.
Black was later apprehended by a Jefferson City police officer who spotted him fleeing the scene. At the time of his arrest, Black was carrying a black bag containing the handgun, marijuana, an ecstasy pill, and a magazine with five rounds of 9mm ammunition. A woman attempted to flee with the bag but was apprehended by officers.
Under federal statutes, Black is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Columbia Police Department, and the Jefferson City Police Department.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant Darrell Eugene Black, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing a stolen firearm. The crime occurred on May 31, 2017, in Columbia, Missouri. Black faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole.
Defendant: Darrell Eugene Black
Criminal Charges: Robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a stolen firearm
City and State: Columbia, Missouri
Exact Date: May 31, 2017
Sentence or Outcome: Seven years in federal prison without parole, up to life in federal prison without parole
Dollar Amounts: Approximately $200
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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