Gun-Toting Thugs Sentenced in Cell Phone Store Heists

Montgomery, Alabama – In a string of brazen daylight robberies, two cell phone stores in Montgomery, Alabama were held up at gunpoint. The masterminds behind the heists have now faced justice, and their sentences reflect the gravity of their crimes.

On May 13, 2024, Devon Lemar Bledson, 29, received a sentence of 204 months in prison following his guilty plea to three charges: interference with interstate commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Bledson, a Montgomery resident, was the driver of the getaway vehicle during the Ann Street store robbery.

Devontae Gentry, 31, a Chicago resident, received a sentence of 240 months in prison following a guilty plea to committing interference with interstate commerce by robbery. Gentry was one of the group members who entered the Eastern Boulevard cell phone store, where a gun was pointed at store employees.

Antonio Lavasia Provo, 33, a Montgomery resident, received a sentence of 72 months in prison after pleading guilty to interference with interstate commerce by robbery. Provo’s involvement in the robberies was uncovered by investigators following the Ann Street store robbery.

Jaylan Subry Bledson, 19, a Montgomery resident and Devon Bledson’s younger brother, received a 90-month sentence following a plea of guilty to committing interference with interstate commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence. Jaylan Bledson was one of the group members who entered the Ann Street store.

Staci Danielle Gilbert, 29, a Montgomery resident, received a prison sentence of 60 months for her role in the robberies, including interference with interstate commerce by robbery and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Gilbert was one of the group members who entered the Eastern Boulevard cell phone store.

“Combatting violent crime is a top priority for this office,” said United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. “The use of firearms to commit crimes shows a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of community members. This case is yet another example of the good work that results from law enforcement agencies coming together to bring to justice violent individuals.”

The investigation into the cell phone store robberies was a collaborative effort between the FBI, Montgomery Police Department, Clanton Police Department, Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the United States Attorney’s Office.