Donyea Fowler, Hobbs Act Robbery, Indiana 2023

A South Bend man has been sentenced to 43 years in prison for his role in a string of six armed robberies in the South Bend area.

Donyea Fowler, 34, was sentenced to 516 months in prison and ordered to pay $7,253.19 in restitution after pleading guilty to six counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and six counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

The robberies, which took place between December 2017 and February 2018, targeted several businesses in the South Bend area. Fowler was identified as the suspect due to his consistent modus operandi, which included wearing maroon sweat pants, a hooded sweatshirt, a mask, gloves, and sneakers, as well as carrying a blue satchel to collect the loot.

Police found evidence linking Fowler to the robberies, including a blue satchel, a gray glove, and a loaded chrome-colored handgun in the trunk of the car he was riding in when he was arrested. A picture of stolen items from one of the robberies was also found on Fowler's cell phone.

Fowler has four prior felony convictions, which increased his sentence. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse handled the case.

The sentencing is a significant blow to the community, which had been plagued by the string of robberies. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement's efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

In a statement, authorities praised the work of the investigators and prosecutors who brought the case to a close. 'This sentence is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement to keep our community safe,' said a spokesperson.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/pr/south-bend-indiana-man-sentenced-43-years-prison