Phelps County Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking and Gun Store Burglary

A 19-year-old Phelps County man has admitted to carjacking someone at knifepoint and stealing pistols from a Rolla gun store.

Martavious Jones, 19, of Phelps County, pleaded guilty on Thursday to one count of carjacking and a charge of stealing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer. He faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

The charges stem from two separate incidents. On September 11, 2022, Jones and another person broke a window at a Rolla gun store to gain entry. They stole four handguns, including an AR-style pistol, as well as a large quantity of ammunition and firearm accessories. Two of the guns were later found in a bag near Jones’ home.

On March 1, 2023, Jones allegedly asked a man for a ride in his 2013 Nissan Altima. The driver agreed, but once they were moving, Jones pulled out a large knife and held it to the driver’s throat. He demanded the victim’s keys and cell phone, before driving away in the car. Jones dropped his own phone out of the window, but was later spotted by police and fled on foot, leaving behind his wallet and the knife.

The Rolla Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21. The carjacking charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine. The stealing charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.