Darnell Gerald Gaither Jr, Armed Robbery, Maryland 2024

Baltimore Serial Armed Robber Pleads Guilty to 35 Business Robberies

A 27-year-old Baltimore man has pleaded guilty to committing 35 armed robberies across the city, leaving a trail of fear and violence in his wake.

Darnell Gerald Gaither, Jr. pleaded guilty to affecting commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm in relation to a violent crime, according to a statement from Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner.

The robberies took place from December 2018 to November 24, 2019, with Gaither targeting fast-food restaurants, general stores, cell phone stores, gaming stores, a gym, and chain pharmacies. In at least one robbery, Gaither brandished a firearm, while in five others, he partially revealed a handgun.

One particularly brazen robbery occurred on October 25, 2019, at a smoothie franchise in Baltimore. Gaither handed the cashier a note that read ‘I have a gun, give me all the cash.’ When the cashier refused, Gaither produced a handgun and threatened to kill her if she didn’t open the register. The cashier eventually complied, and Gaither ordered her and two other employees to the floor while he removed cash from the register.

Five days later, on October 30, 2019, Gaither robbed a general store by posing as a customer. He handed the cashier a note that stated ‘You know what it is,’ while displaying what appeared to be a handgun inside his waistband. The cashier believed Gaither possessed a real firearm and handed him $197 in U.S. currency.

Gaither faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for affecting commerce by robbery and a minimum seven years in federal prison for brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. His sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.

The investigation into Gaither’s crimes was a collaborative effort between the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, and Baltimore City Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the agencies for their work in bringing Gaither to justice.

Gaither’s guilty plea marks the end of a long and violent crime spree that left a lasting impact on the businesses and individuals he targeted. His sentence will serve as a reminder that armed robbery will not be tolerated in our community.

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