Tony Lendell Reed, Auto Parts Store Robberies, TN 2019

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald has announced a significant federal conviction for TONY LENDELL REED, 33, from Memphis, Tennessee. Reed was sentenced to 240 months in prison today for his role in a string of auto parts store robberies across the Twin Cities metro area.

The jury convicted Reed on February 1, 2019, of six counts of interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act. This federal statute prohibits actual or attempted robbery affecting interstate or foreign commerce in any way or degree.

Judge Joan N. Ericksen presided over Reed’s sentencing in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MacDonald emphasized that the sentence reflects a justice system committed to safeguarding public safety against those who bring fear and violence into communities.

Co-defendants ORLANDO LORENZO HARRIS, 35, DERF REGLAN RAHINE REED, 46, and TYRELL DANDRE CAMPBELL, 24, have also been involved in the case. Harris received a 38-month sentence on April 8, 2019, while Derf Reed was sentenced to 43 months on May 17, 2019. Campbell’s sentencing is pending.

Between June 12 and November 29, 2017, Reed and his co-defendants targeted auto parts stores in the Twin Cities. In each incident, they displayed a firearm, threatened victims, demanded money, and restrained employees with zip ties.

This case was investigated by multiple FBI divisions and local law enforcement agencies, including the Minneapolis Police Department and other departments from across Minnesota and Mississippi. It is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime.

Assistant United States Attorneys LeeAnn K. Bell and Ruth S. Shnider prosecuted the case against Reed and his co-defendants.

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