RIVERSIDE, CA – A botched marijuana deal in San Bernardino County escalated into a fatal shooting, and the man who orchestrated it is now facing a lengthy federal prison sentence. Dillion Jones, 20, of San Bernardino, was sentenced today to 186 months – 15 and a half years – in federal prison for his role in the armed robbery that left a 21-year-old man dead.
According to court documents, Jones arranged a July 2021 meeting with the victim to purchase one pound of marijuana. However, Jones, along with Rontrell Brainell Shaw, 22, and Martrell Patrick Shaw, 20, both also of San Bernardino, had no intention of paying for the drugs. The trio plotted to rob the victim at gunpoint. Jones and Martrell Shaw armed themselves with a loaded firearm, while Rontrell Shaw served as the getaway driver.
Upon arrival at the designated location in San Bernardino County, Martrell Shaw and Jones confronted the victim and robbed him. During the commission of the robbery, a firearm was discharged twice, striking the victim in the neck and torso. The victim later succumbed to his injuries. The pair then made off with the marijuana and the victim’s own firearm. Rontrell Shaw subsequently picked up his accomplices and fled the scene.
United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal handed down the sentence, also ordering Jones to pay $14,342 in restitution. Jones pleaded guilty in March 2023 to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death, one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possessing a stolen firearm. This isn’t Jones’ first brush with the law; his history of reckless behavior directly contributed to this tragic outcome.
This sentencing follows similar convictions in the case. Rontrell Shaw, the getaway driver, received a 14-year federal prison sentence, while Martrell Shaw, who directly participated in the fatal robbery, was sentenced to 20 years. “This defendant’s reckless disregard for human life resulted in a senseless murder and a grieving family left behind,” stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We cannot accept violence on our streets. Today’s sentence sends a message that my office is committed punishing and deterring violent gun crime.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF Los Angeles Field Division Jose Medina added, “These violent criminals create unsafe communities with their horrific acts. ATF is dedicated to using all its federal tools and resources to make our communities safer.” The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Bernardino Police Department. This case is part of Operation Safe Cities, a strategic enforcement initiative focused on prosecuting the most dangerous drivers of violent crime in the region. Assistant United States Attorney Peter H. Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuted the case.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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