Wave of Crime Brought to Justice in Fargo

FARGO – A wave of crime that swept through Fargo and Hillsboro in 2015 came to an end on April 19, 2016, as Andrew Jerome Ford, 28, of Fargo, was sentenced to serve eight years and six months in federal prison for his role in the crime wave.

Ford was sentenced by U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson for Interference with the Commerce by Threats and Violence- Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. He was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and required to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The crime wave began on September 28, 2015, when Bottle Barn Wine and Liquor and The Spirit Shop Liquor Store were robbed within an hour of each other. Co-defendant Carlos Bethel pled guilty to robbing Bottle Barn while brandishing a firearm, while Ford pled guilty to possessing a firearm while robbing the Spirit Shop. Both men acknowledged being the getaway driver for one another in the robberies.

Ford’s plea agreement also acknowledged his participation or aiding and abetting in several other crimes, including a home invasion, multiple burglaries, a vehicle burglary, and the theft of five firearms. Ford also admitted to setting fire to four dumpsters in an effort to determine law enforcement response time, as well as robbery of The Spirit Shop Liquor Store.

U. S. Attorney Chris Myers noted after the sentencing: ‘This sentence sends a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated in Fargo, Hillsboro, or any community we serve and will use all tools available to fight violent crime and the illegal use and possession of firearms.’

The case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE). U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers prosecuted the case.

Co-defendant Carlos Bethel is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2016, at 2:15 PM, in U. S. District Court, Fargo, ND.