Vernelle E. Hines, Armed Robbery, Illinois 2023

A convenience store in East St. Louis, Illinois was robbed at gunpoint on October 31, 2023, leaving employees shaken.

According to court documents, Vernelle E. Hines, 30, brandished and discharged a firearm, taking items and U.S. currency from the Mega Supermarket by force.

Hines was arrested in Houston, Texas, and is facing federal charges for interference with commerce by robbery and carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

“Store employees should be able to show up for work and not fear for their lives due to weapons and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Our partners in the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group work tirelessly to bring justice to victims of crime and to protect businesses in the community.”

Court documents detail the violent events of October 31, 2023, when Hines allegedly used a firearm to commit the robbery.

An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

“This indictment does not happen without ISP’s commitment to bringing violent criminals to justice,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents are dedicated to conducting extensive investigations in order to track down violent criminals and make communities safer.”

If convicted, Hines could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the robbery charge and a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment for the use of a firearm.

ISP’s Public Safety Enforcement Group led the investigation with assistance in apprehending the suspect from the U.S. Marshals Service in the Southern District of Illinois and Homeland Security Investigations in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns is prosecuting the case.

Hines is currently facing federal charges for the armed robbery. The outcome of the case will be determined in a court of law.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Vernelle E. Hines
Criminal Charges: Interference with commerce by robbery and carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence
City and State: East St. Louis, Illinois
Date: October 31, 2023
Sentence or Outcome: Pending trial

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