NEW HAVEN, CT – A New Haven man is headed to federal prison for a brazen string of armed robberies that plagued a local business over six weeks in 2021. Jermaine Cannon, 20, was sentenced today to 162 months – over thirteen years – followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to multiple federal charges.
According to court documents, Cannon repeatedly targeted the Howard Mini Mart & Deli on Howard Avenue, hitting the store on September 30, October 27, November 6, November 10, and November 11, 2021. Each time, Cannon brandished a handgun and threatened store employees, creating a climate of fear for workers simply trying to make a living. The repeated nature of the attacks suggests a calculated and callous disregard for the well-being of the victims.
The ATF, along with the New Haven Police Department, quickly zeroed in on Cannon after the fifth robbery on November 11th. A subsequent search of the location where Cannon was apprehended yielded crucial evidence: a 9mm semiautomatic handgun believed to be used in the crimes, a distinctive hoodie matching the one worn during the November 10th robbery (captured in surveillance footage), and a pair of latex gloves. This left little doubt for investigators.
Cannon has been held without bail since his arrest. On March 27th, he formally admitted guilt to five counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The charges reflect the severity of his actions and the potential danger he posed to the community.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery emphasized that this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative focused on reducing violent crime. “Through PSN, we’re not just locking up offenders,” Avery stated, “we’re working with local partners to address the root causes of violence and create lasting solutions.” However, for the employees of Howard Mini Mart & Deli, the immediate relief comes from knowing their tormentor is off the streets.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis prosecuted the case. Avery also acknowledged the cooperation of the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office in securing the conviction. While the sentence provides a measure of justice, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of gun violence and the dedication of federal and local law enforcement to combat it.
Related Federal Cases
- Frederick Jermaine Porter, Felon in Possession of Firearm, SC 2024 · South Carolina
- Jermaine Franklin, Gun Possession, MS 2024 · Maine
- Tyquinn Montell Cannon, Firearms Conspiracy, Maine 2022 · Illinois
- Jermaine Griffin, Possessing Stolen Gun, Mississippi 2017 · Illinois
- Jermaine Smith, Bianka North Carjacking St. Louis, 2022 · Illinois
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