A $53,000 armed robbery at a Verizon Wireless store in Village West, Kansas, ended in federal prison for Terry Curtis, 34, of Rockford, Ill., who was sentenced Monday to 73 months behind bars. Curtis served as the getaway driver when four men stormed the store at 10621 Village West Parkway on Sept. 14, 2016, brandishing guns, locking the front door, and forcing employees and a customer into a back break room at gunpoint.
Curtis pleaded guilty to one count of commercial robbery, admitting he waited outside in a vehicle while two robbers entered first, followed two minutes later by the other two. Once inside, the crew ordered victims to lie face down on the floor and bound their hands with zip ties. They forced an employee to open the safe before fleeing with cash and dozens of cellphones. An employee eventually broke free and called police, triggering an immediate manhunt.
Investigators tied the Kansas City heist to another brazen robbery weeks earlier at an AT&T store in Rochester, Minn., using surveillance footage that matched the suspects’ tactics and appearance. A break in the case came when an anonymous tip led authorities to a co-defendant who was on parole in Illinois — a lead that unraveled a broader network of armed thieves operating across state lines.
Agents discovered that some of those involved in the Verizon robbery were part of a coordinated crew tied to dozens of similar store holdups in multiple states. The operation targeted wireless retailers, using swift violence and restraints to immobilize staff while emptying safes and inventory. Authorities now believe this was not a random act, but part of an organized crime spree.
Three co-defendants remain awaiting trial: Mario Lambert, 33, Rockford, Ill.; Sir T. Love, 32, Rockford, Ill.; Domonique V. Walker, 26, Rockford, Ill.; and Sharod Pitts, 35, Chicago, Ill. Federal prosecutors are building a broader case that could link them to additional robberies as the investigation expands beyond Kansas and Minnesota.
U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister praised the collaboration between the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their relentless pursuit of the suspects. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The indictments reflect allegations, not convictions, for those still awaiting trial.
Related Federal Cases
- Poisonous Deceit: Olaf Olson Found Guilty of Murder · Minnesota
- Simonsson Gets Life for Hate-Fueled Prison Murder · Minnesota
- Simonsson Gets Life for Hate-Fueled Prison Murder · Minnesota
- Capitol Breach: LA Man Gets Convicted · Washington
- James Battles Feds Over SNAP Benefits · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime