WILMINGTON, CA – Stevo Mijanovic, 20, will spend the next 15 years in a federal penitentiary after being sentenced for a brazen series of armed robberies that terrorized businesses across the South Bay. The feds handed down the sentence yesterday, bringing an end to a six-month crime spree that left employees and customers shaken.
Mijanovic pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime. From August 2021 to January 2022, he systematically targeted restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations in Wilmington, San Pedro, and Torrance. The robberies weren’t sophisticated – just pure, calculated intimidation with a loaded weapon.
The most disturbing incident involved a pregnant gas station employee. Mijanovic allegedly pointed the gun directly at her while demanding cash, making off with a paltry $180. That’s the reality of street crime: a life-altering moment for a small sum. The emotional scars will last far longer than the missing money.
Federal prosecutors successfully argued that Mijanovic’s actions were not just about money, but about instilling fear in the community. Judge R. Gary Klausner agreed, condemning the robberies and emphasizing the lasting impact on the victims. He ordered Mijanovic to pay $2,733 in restitution, a small attempt to address the financial and emotional damage caused.
The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department. Agents and detectives pieced together surveillance footage and witness accounts to build a solid case against Mijanovic. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chou led the prosecution, securing the 15-year sentence.
While this sentence offers some closure to the victims, it’s a stark reminder of the violent crime that continues to plague the South Bay. The feds are sending a message: arming yourself and robbing businesses won’t pay. It will land you in a cage for a long, long time. Expect more aggressive prosecutions of similar cases moving forward.
Victims who spoke to investigators detailed the ongoing anxiety and fear they experience, even after the robberies occurred. Many reported sleepless nights and a constant sense of vulnerability. The trauma of having a gun pointed at you doesn’t fade quickly.
Mijanovic’s method was simple and brutal: walk in, brandish the firearm, demand cash. He relied on fear to control the situation. It’s a tactic seen all too often, and one that the FBI and LAPD are working tirelessly to combat.
RELATED: South Bay Robber Gets 15 Years Federal Time
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Key Facts
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: U.S. Department of Justice
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