Javonte Smith, a 34-year-old Indianapolis resident, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison with an additional three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to several charges related to a series of armed robberies. Smith admitted to six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Court documents state that between November 21 and December 2, 2023, Smith robbed six businesses across Indianapolis. The businesses included two Family Dollar stores, a McDonald’s restaurant, two Walmart locations, and a Kroger grocery store. During these incidents, Smith was often armed with a handgun and stole nearly $15,000 in cash.
After the final robbery on December 2nd at Kroger on East 16th Street, officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) tracked Smith to a Motel 6. Upon arresting him, police found clothing matching surveillance footage from the robberies and various disguises believed to have been used during the crimes. Officers also recovered a black Taurus handgun and keys to a recently stolen vehicle.
Smith had prior felony convictions including resisting law enforcement, fraud on a financial institution, robbery, and operating while intoxicated. These previous offenses made it illegal for him to possess any firearms.
“This defendant terrorized hard-working people just trying to do their jobs and earn a living,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his violent crime spree was brought to an end, and he will now face serious federal prison time. This office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of repeat offenders who use firearms to commit violence in our communities.”
“This sentence reflects the serious consequences awaiting those who choose violence and intimidation to commit their crimes. His action put lives at risk and threatened the safety of our community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and get them – and the illegal weapons they carry – off our streets.”
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with IMPD. U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler recognized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter for prosecuting this case as part of ongoing efforts with the City of Indianapolis targeting violent crime in Marion County.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration among local agencies and community organizations.
