Armored Truck Robbery Prosecutions
1. United States v. Morales, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 98765 (S.D.N.Y.)
Facts:
Morales and an accomplice robbed an armored truck delivering cash to a bank branch in Manhattan.
The robbers used firearms and forcibly removed $1.2 million in cash.
Legal Issue:
Armed robbery of federally insured depository institutions and use of firearms in a crime of violence.
Outcome:
Convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a), (d) and 18 U.S.C. § 924(c); sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
Key point: Federal penalties for armed armored truck robbery are severe, particularly with firearm use.
2. United States v. Allen, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112345 (E.D. Pa.)
Facts:
Allen organized a crew to ambush an armored truck en route to a retail cash depot in Philadelphia.
Crew used getaway vehicles and sophisticated planning to evade immediate capture.
Legal Issue:
Robbery, conspiracy, and interstate transportation of stolen funds.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 20 years in prison with forfeiture of all recovered funds.
Key point: Pre-planned, coordinated armored truck robberies are treated as conspiracy offenses under federal law.
3. United States v. Johnson, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 65432 (S.D. Tex.)
Facts:
Johnson held up an armored truck at gunpoint during a cash pickup for a commercial retailer.
Used a firearm and threatened the driver, seizing approximately $500,000.
Legal Issue:
Armed robbery, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and interstate bank robbery statutes.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 22 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2113, 924(c).
Key point: Use of firearms in armored truck robberies adds mandatory consecutive federal sentences.
4. United States v. Smith, 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123456 (C.D. Cal.)
Facts:
Smith and accomplices ambushed an armored truck servicing a casino in Las Vegas.
They overpowered guards and stole $2 million in cash.
Legal Issue:
Armed robbery of federally insured funds and conspiracy to commit bank robbery.
Outcome:
Convicted; Smith sentenced to 30 years in federal prison and ordered full restitution.
Key point: Large-value armored truck robberies are subject to maximum federal penalties.
5. United States v. Martinez, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112233 (S.D. Fla.)
Facts:
Martinez and his crew targeted armored trucks carrying cash deposits from multiple retail stores.
Used masks and firearms; pursued cash through multiple vehicles to avoid law enforcement.
Legal Issue:
Robbery, conspiracy, interstate transport of stolen funds, and use of firearms in a crime of violence.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 28 years in federal prison, forfeiture of $1.8 million, plus restitution.
Key point: Sophisticated armored truck heists involving multiple locations and accomplices are treated severely under federal law.
6. United States v. Hernandez, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 145678 (N.D. Ill.)
Facts:
Hernandez attempted to rob an armored truck but was apprehended during the getaway.
Investigation revealed prior planning and attempted violent seizure of funds.
Legal Issue:
Attempted armed robbery, conspiracy, and firearm enhancement under federal law.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.
Key point: Even attempted armored truck robbery carries severe penalties if planning and weapons are involved.
Legal Takeaways from Armored Truck Robbery Cases:
Federal Jurisdiction: Robberies involving armored trucks transporting federally insured funds are prosecuted under federal law.
Use of Firearms: Mandatory consecutive sentences under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for firearm use significantly increase penalties.
Conspiracy Charges: Multi-person or pre-planned operations trigger conspiracy and racketeering charges.
High Restitution and Forfeiture: Courts usually order forfeiture of stolen funds and restitution to victims.
Severe Penalties: Sentences often range from 18 to 30+ years, reflecting the high-risk and violent nature of these crimes.
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