David D. Weatherall, 25, of Mt. Vernon, IL, stands accused in a federal indictment for his alleged role in a string of brazen robberies where he and an accomplice used firearms to secure over $250,000 worth of property. The charges against Weatherall include robbery, obstruction of commerce, and the unlawful brandishing of a firearm during violent crimes.
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced the charges today. According to the indictment, Weatherall and another individual are accused of robbing Huck’s Convenient Food Store in Jefferson County on December 8, 2014, and Biggies Cafe and General Store in Marion County on December 9, 2014, both by force and fear.
In Count 1, Weatherall is charged with attempting to obstruct commerce through robbery at Huck’s, while Count 2 asserts that he aided and abetted the brandishing of a firearm during this crime. Count 3 details another robbery involving Biggies Cafe and General Store, with Weatherall again facing charges for obstruction of commerce by force and fear, along with aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm in Count 4.
Weatherall faces up to 20 years in prison, $250,000 fines, and supervised release on each count related to robbery. For the gun-related charges, he could spend at least seven years behind bars, potentially life, with sentences running consecutively if convicted on multiple counts.
The investigation into these crimes was a collaborative effort by local police departments from Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, Marion County, and Centralia. Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood is handling the case for the federal government.
Under the law, Weatherall is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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