Johnnie Ward, Jr., Armed Robbery, Minnesota 2024

A brazen heist at a St. Paul cell phone store caught the attention of law enforcement, and now the culprit is paying the price. Johnnie Ward, Jr., 31, was sentenced to 80 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a St. Paul cell phone store, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. He was also ordered to pay $4,900 in restitution.

According to court documents, on April 5, 2024, Ward walked into a cell phone store in St. Paul, with an accomplice who was carrying a torch lighter. While the accomplice pointed the weapon at the store clerk, Ward demanded access to the safe in the back storage room, telling his victim to “hurry up or else.” Ward and his accomplice ultimately fled the store with several cell phones.

Ward was sentenced yesterday by Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court on one count of Hobbs Act Robbery. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the St. Paul Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Classen prosecuted the case.

On that fateful day, Ward and his accomplice showed no mercy as they committed the felony. The accomplice's use of a torch lighter added an element of fear to the situation, making it clear that Ward would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

It's refreshing to see law enforcement taking a hard stance against such brazen crimes. Ward's sentence sends a clear message that armed robbery will not be tolerated in St. Paul. We hope that this sentence brings closure to the victims of this crime.

As we continue to follow the story, we will provide updates on any developments in the case. In the meantime, let's take a closer look at the numbers:

Defendant: Johnnie Ward, Jr.

Criminal Charge: Hobbs Act Robbery

City and State: St. Paul, Minnesota

Exact Date: April 5, 2024

Sentence or Outcome: 80 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, $4,900 in restitution

Dollar Amounts: $4,900

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/st-paul-man-sentenced-six-years-prison-armed-robbery-cell-phone-store