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Twin Cities Terror: Champlin Man Nabbed for 10 Gunpoint Robberies
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Martavis Shawn Demar James, 38, of Champlin, Minnesota, is facing serious time after a federal jury found him guilty of a brazen crime spree that terrorized the Twin Cities metro area. James was convicted of robbing and attempting to rob 10 businesses between March and June of 2018, often wielding a firearm and putting employees’ lives at risk.
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald didn’t mince words, stating, “Over the course of several weeks, Mr. James carried out a brazen crime wave across the Twin Cities, targeting businesses in densely populated areas and robbing employees at gunpoint.” MacDonald emphasized the commitment to tackling violent crime through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, vowing, “When it comes to protecting our communities, we will not relent.”
The evidence presented at trial painted a chilling picture of James’s methods. He repeatedly targeted CVS Pharmacy stores across Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey Counties, alongside a Dollar Tree in Coon Rapids and a BigLots in Blaine. In each successful robbery, James donned a black hooded coat, mask, and gloves, brandishing a firearm at terrified employees. He demanded access to the safe, forced them to fill a duffel bag with cash, and then ordered them to the ground before making his escape. This wasn’t just about money; it was about intimidation and control.
Law enforcement caught onto James’s pattern and began surveillance. On June 1, 2018, they tracked him to a CVS in Eden Prairie. In a coordinated effort, Minneapolis Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the FBI, along with CVS security, locked down the store *before* James could enter. When he returned to his vehicle, agents moved in and apprehended him, ending the weeks-long reign of terror. The quick thinking of local and federal agencies prevented what could have been another violent confrontation.
James now faces the consequences for his actions. He was found guilty on eight counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and two counts of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery. Sentencing details have not yet been released, but given the severity of the crimes and the use of a firearm, a substantial prison term is almost certain. The investigation involved a collaborative effort between the Minneapolis Police Department, ATF, FBI, and multiple local agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter successfully prosecuted the case, bringing a measure of closure to the businesses and communities impacted by James’s actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against violent crime in the Twin Cities, and the dedication of law enforcement to bringing perpetrators to justice. For more information, contact the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota at (612) 664-5600.
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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