Raleigh, NC – In a brazen daylight robbery, Desmond Simpson, 29, of Wilmington, NC, held up a Papa John’s delivery driver at gunpoint, leaving the victim with serious injuries.
On April 25, 2012, Simpson called in an order to Papa John’s and waited for the delivery driver to arrive. When the driver arrived, Simpson brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s money. The victim refused and attempted to flee, but Simpson grabbed him by the collar and began to fight with him, repeatedly hitting the victim in the head with the firearm.
The victim suffered serious injuries, including multiple staples, and was left shaken by the encounter. Simpson fled the scene, but left behind a pair of sunglasses and a shirt that would later be used as evidence against him.
On September 30, 2014, a jury found Simpson guilty of Robbery of a Business Engaged in Interstate Commerce and Using, Carrying and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
On April 25, 2023, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Simpson to 189 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. The investigation was conducted by the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case, which was assigned to her by District Attorney Ben David to handle violent crime, firearm-related cases, and narcotics crimes.
The sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent crime and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- SAVIAN JACOBY TURRENTINE, Hobbs Act Robbery conspiracy, North Carolina 2019 · North Carolina
- Keishaun Leroy Anderson, Hobbs Act robbery and possession and brandishing of a firearm, North Carolina 2020 · North Carolina
- Terry Sherwood Slade, Hobbs Act Robbery, North Carolina 2024 · North Carolina
- Jeremy Lamar Hayes, Hobbs Act Robbery, South Carolina 2018 · Florida
- Jamaris Ladell Smith, Hobbs Act Robberies, North Carolina 2023 · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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