Donyea Fowler, Hobbs Act Robbery, Indiana 2019

SOUTH BEND, IN - In a shocking turn of events, a South Bend man has been convicted of a string of violent robberies that left the community shaken.

Donyea Fowler, 34, was found guilty of 6 counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and 7 counts of federal firearm offenses, including being a felon in possession of a firearm and using a firearm in relation to crimes of violence.

The case against Fowler began to unravel in late 2017 and early 2018, when six convenience stores in the South Bend area were robbed at gunpoint. Fowler, who was wearing a mask during the robberies, used a firearm to intimidate the victims and escape with cash.

According to court documents, Fowler has four prior felony convictions, which made him ineligible to possess firearms. However, he was caught with a gun in his possession, which was linked to the robberies through DNA evidence.

The investigation into Fowler's activities was led by the FBI, with assistance from the South Bend Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joel R. Gabrielse prosecuted the case, which resulted in Fowler's conviction.

Fowler's sentencing has been set for September 25, 2019, at 1:30 PM. The exact sentence that Fowler will receive is still unknown, but it is likely to be severe given the nature of the crimes.

The conviction of Donyea Fowler is a victory for the community, which had been plagued by a series of violent robberies. The case serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to keep the streets safe and that those who commit violent crimes will be held accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/pr/south-bend-man-convicted-following-4-day-jury-trial