Ladarius Snipes, Armed Robbery & Gun Crimes, Minnesota 2024

ST. PAUL, MINN. – A brazen robbery spree stretching from Mississippi to Minnesota has landed 27-year-old Ladarius Snipes of Indianola, Mississippi, with a 155-month federal prison sentence. Snipes was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank for the August 7, 2021, armed robbery of a Backyard Burgers restaurant in Cleveland, Mississippi, and subsequent firearms violations committed in Minnesota.

Court documents detail that Snipes initially pled guilty to a Hobbs Act robbery charge and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence related to the Mississippi robbery. He further admitted to making a false statement when purchasing a firearm and possessing a stolen weapon in Minnesota. The 155-month sentence is comprised of 120 months for the Backyard Burgers robbery and an additional 35 months for the Minnesota firearms charges, to be served consecutively – meaning Snipes won’t see potential parole for well over a decade.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Cleveland, Mississippi Police Department, revealed a pattern of criminal behavior. Snipes’ actions weren’t isolated; they represented a clear disregard for public safety and the law. Following sentencing, Snipes was immediately taken into custody by U.S. Marshals.

“This case clearly demonstrates why we endeavor to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi. “We thank ATF and the Cleveland Police Department for their work on this case and will continue to work alongside our federal, state and local partners to combat violent crime.”

ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson echoed those sentiments, stating, “Sending a repeat offender like this to prison is another example of our commitment to protect our communities. The sentence sends a message to the community that individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms will be held accountable.” The case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program focused on reducing violent crime through coordinated law enforcement efforts and community partnerships.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims prosecuted the case. The investigation and prosecution highlight the ongoing federal commitment to tackling interstate crime and holding individuals accountable for violent acts that cross state lines. Snipes will also face five years of supervised release upon his eventual release from prison, a condition intended to monitor his behavior and prevent future offenses.

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