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Armed Robber Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison
In a shocking turn of events, Leon A. Miller, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to a nine-year prison term for armed robbery and a firearms offense stemming from a hold-up last fall at a liquor store in Northwest Washington.
The incident occurred on October 14, 2021, at Paul’s Wine and Spirits, located in the 5200 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW. According to court documents, Miller entered the store at approximately 6 p.m., brandished what appeared to be a black handgun, and demanded that a store employee open the cash registers. He stole about $200 in cash and also demanded three specific kinds of champagne, none of which the store carries.
The defendant also admitted to committing two other robberies of liquor stores, also in Northwest Washington, and of two store customers. The five robberies took place on three successive evenings.
Miller pleaded guilty in February 2022 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for Miller to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment between seven and nine years. The Honorable J. Michael Ryan accepted the plea and sentenced Miller accordingly. Following his prison term, Miller will be placed on five years of supervised release.
The incident also highlighted the bravery of the store employees and customers who were targeted by Miller. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was quick to respond to the situation, and the arrest was made about an hour after the robbery.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department Robert J. Contee III commended the work of those who investigated the case, including the assistance provided by the Metro Transit Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Miller’s crimes were committed on three successive evenings, with the first incident occurring on October 12, 2021, at The Wine Specialist, located in the 1100 block of 20th Street NW. In this incident, Miller brandished a black handgun and demanded that an employee open the cash registers, stealing approximately $2,000 in cash and two bottles of champagne valued at roughly $950.
The next evening, October 13, 2021, Miller entered Press Liquors, in the 500 block of 14th Street, brandished what appeared to be a black handgun, and demanded an employee open the registers. He stole approximately $900 in cash and also brandished the gun at two customers, taking their wallets and phones.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Leon A. Miller
Criminal Charges: Armed robbery and a firearms offense
City and State: Washington, D.C.
Exact Date: October 14, 2021 (sentencing date: February 2022)
Sentence or Outcome: Nine years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: $200 (cash stolen from Paul’s Wine and Spirits), $2,000 (cash stolen from The Wine Specialist), $900 (cash stolen from Press Liquors), $950 (value of two bottles of champagne stolen from The Wine Specialist)
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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