Related Federal Cases
- Lamont Hawkins, Bank Robbery, Indiana 2023 · Illinois
- Bryan Johnson-Taylor, Armed Gas Station Robbery, Indiana 2023 · Indiana
- Tyrell Cage, Armed Robbery, Indiana 2021 · Washington
- Briana White, Armed Bank Robbery Murder, Indiana 2024 · Illinois
- Roy King, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Indiana 2023 · Arkansas
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Prison for Hobbs Act Robbery
FORT WAYNE, Indiana – In a shocking turn of events, Lonnie J. Gardner, Jr., 32, was sentenced to 92 months in prison for his role in a brazen Hobbs Act robbery that left a trail of destruction in its wake.
The heinous crime took place on January 5, 2018, at approximately 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Financial Credit Union located inside a Fort Wayne Meijer store. Gardner, armed with a handgun and wearing a fake brown beard and a hat, made off with a total of $1,776.00.
However, the investigation that followed would reveal a web of deceit and cunning. A joint investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies revealed that Gardner had attempted to conceal his identity by altering his appearance. But it was a receipt dated January 5, 2018, from a finance company near the Meijer store that would prove to be his undoing.
The receipt, which evidenced a payment made on the getaway vehicle, a black Jeep Commander, would later lead detectives to confirm that Gardner had used a portion of the proceeds from the bank robbery to make a $400.00 payment on the vehicle.
But that was not the only robbery Gardner would commit. On January 10, 2018, at approximately 2:10 p.m., Gardner, again armed with a handgun, robbed the Wal-Mart Customer Service Center located inside an Auburn, Indiana Wal-Mart. A total of $4,457.00 was taken during this robbery.
Gardner’s involvement in the two robberies was eventually revealed after his arrest, and he subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges. U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady handed down the sentence, which also included 2 years of supervised release and ordered restitution in the amount of $10,998.00.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of violent crime and the importance of community vigilance. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police Special Investigations Section, the Allen County Police Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Auburn Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime