Two men have been sentenced to over twenty years in federal prison for a string of armed robberies that terrorized businesses across the Bay Area. Shawan I. Spragans, 41, and Merl J. Simpson, 47, received sentences of 23 and 20 years, respectively, following their convictions on charges including conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, and being felons in possession of firearms.
The sentencing follows a spree of violence that began on February 1, 2016, and ended with Spragans and Simpson’s capture on April 21, 2016. During this period, the duo targeted multiple businesses, including pharmacies, restaurants, and pizzerias, robbing them at gunpoint.
In one chilling incident, Spragans and an accomplice entered a Berkeley pharmacy, pointing firearms at employees and customers before making off with cash from the register. Simpson was the getaway driver, providing the means for escape after each heist.
On March 20, 2016, the pair targeted a barbecue restaurant in Berkeley, forcing employees to remain still while they robbed them of personal and business funds. They then fled the scene with the stolen cash, once again utilizing Simpson’s vehicle for their getaway.
The men continued their reign of terror on April 7, 2016, robbing an Ethiopian restaurant in Berkeley at gunpoint. Spragans fired a bullet during a struggle with an employee, narrowly missing his target. The duo fled the scene with cash once more, while Simpson awaited in the getaway vehicle.
However, their spree came to an end on April 21, when police surveillance led to their capture as they attempted to rob a bar in San Francisco. A third conspirator was also arrested in the getaway car.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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