SILVER SPRING, MD – William Thompson, 27, of Silver Spring, Maryland, is headed to federal prison for seven years and one day after pleading guilty to a pair of brazen armed robberies that terrorized local businesses in August 2019. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm handed down the sentence today, also tacking on four years of supervised release and ordering Thompson to pay restitution of $498.
The robberies, detailed in court documents, began on August 9th when Thompson, masked and wielding a semi-automatic rifle, stormed a Silver Spring convenience store. Surveillance footage captured Thompson pointing the weapon at a terrified store employee, demanding cash. The employee complied, handing over approximately $98. The next day, Thompson upped the ante, hitting a Silver Spring market and threatening two employees with the same rifle, making off with around $400.
Thompson’s reign of terror didn’t last long. Just hours after the second robbery, he crashed a blue four-door Subaru in Rockville, Maryland. The resulting search of the vehicle proved damning. Investigators recovered the black mask and light-colored gloves used in the robberies, along with a loaded black and gray handgun. Crucially, they also found the semi-automatic rifle used in both incidents stashed in the trunk, alongside numerous magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The evidence didn’t stop there. A subsequent search of Thompson’s residence uncovered even more firearms and ammunition, solidifying the case against him. Authorities also recovered the jacket and shoes Thompson wore during the commission of the crimes, linking him directly to the robberies. The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, and the Montgomery County Police Department.
United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur praised the collaborative work of the FBI and Montgomery County Police, emphasizing the swift and effective response to the threat posed by Thompson. “This sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate violent crime in our communities,” Hur stated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Burden H. Walker was the prosecutor assigned to the case.
Thompson was convicted of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. His seven-year sentence reflects the severity of his actions and the potential for harm he created. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on further developments in federal crime across the nation.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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