A post on Instagram allowed the authorities to locate four thieves who committed robberies at several Los Angeles County convenience stores during a robbery spree that lasted nearly two months.
The subjects became suspects in the investigation after one of them posted images of the stolen money on social mediaaccording to a statement from the United States Department of Justice.
Four Los Angeles County men arrested on indictment alleging they committed armed robberies and posted Instagram photos with stolen cash and merchandise https://t.co/blFB2YRxBW
— US Attorney LA (@USAO_LosAngeles) July 23, 2024
Authorities identified the alleged thieves as Charles Christopher, 24, of ComptonJordan Leonard, 25, of Torrance; D’Angelo Spencer, 26, of South Los Angeles; and Tazjar Rouse, 22, of Hollywood.
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According to the indictment, released Tuesday, the four men They committed a series of robberies from November 4, 2023 to December 24, 2023The suspects targeted 7-Eleven stores in South Los Angeles, although they committed another robbery at a CVS in Hollywood.
The Justice Department said that The men arrived at the convenience stores in a BMWin which they entered, jumped over the counter and took cash from the cash registers which they then placed in a black Nike bag.
One of the subjects, usually Christopher or Leonard, according to officials, pointed a firearm at a store employee or customerwho demanded his cell phone or wallet.
Keep reading:Three people arrested for alleged theft from Southern California convenience stores
On November 28, 2023, after committing one of his robberies at a 7-Eleven store in South Los Angeles, Leonard allegedly posted a photo on Instagram in which he showed wads of cash with the caption: “I love my brothers, we will always steal.”
In that photo He tagged the accounts of his accomplices Christopher and Spenceras alleged in the indictment.
Authorities arrested the four suspects on Tuesday and each faces one count of interfering with commerce by theft and one count of conspiracy. They also face additional federal theft charges, the Justice Department said.
Keep reading: Criminals loot businesses in two Southern California counties
Christopher and Leonard They were arraigned Tuesday in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.At the hearing, both men pleaded not guilty and are being held without bail. Their trial is scheduled for Sept. 17.
Spencer was expected to be arraigned this week, while Rouse had his hearing on Tuesday in federal court in Kansas City, Missouri.according to federal officials.
If found guilty, The men face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each robbery-related charge.Each firearm possession charge carries a minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
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According to the Department of Justice, the four suspects netted just $7,600 in their robberies in late 2023.
“Anyone who thinks that violent robberies are a good way to make money You must keep in mind that your actions will have consequences“said federal prosecutor Martín Estrada.
The case remains under investigation by the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Keep reading:
· 7-Eleven Killer’s Accomplice Pleads Guilty to Felony Robbery Charges; Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison
· Shocking video of mass looting at a 7-Eleven in South Los Angeles was released by authorities
· 7-Eleven store in South Los Angeles was looted during a street takeover