A federal jury convicted Keith Poynter, Jr., a 29-year-old Baltimore man, of armed commercial robberies committed in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
According to court documents and evidence presented during his four-day trial, Poynter conspired with others, including Benjamin Bunn, Jr. and Tiffany Gardner, to rob businesses in the two cities.
On December 6, 2019, Poynter and another man robbed a jewelry store in the 200 block of N. Howard Street. Poynter brandished a weapon and struck a glass countertop, causing the gun to fire.
Poynter then fired two more shots into another glass case and removed jewelry and other merchandise, all in the presence of store employees.
Approximately two hours later, Poynter entered a pawn shop in the 6600 block of Reisterstown Road, brandished a firearm, demanded jewelry and threatened to shoot a customer.
Poynter faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the robbery conspiracy, for each count of three counts of commercial robbery and for conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Poynter also faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to life in prison for each of two counts of using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has not yet scheduled sentencing for Poynter.
Benjamin Bunn, Jr., age 37, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to his role in the robberies a few days before trial began and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13, 2023.
Tiffany Gardner, age 27, of Baltimore, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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