RICHMOND, Va. - Spencer Harris, 31, of Richmond, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for two counts of interference with commerce by robbery. Harris was ordered by the court to pay $2,600 in restitution to the victims of the crimes.
Harris pleaded guilty on July 2, 2015. According to court documents, Harris committed two separate robberies over the span of ten days. During the first robbery committed on Nov. 13, 2014, Harris and an accomplice entered the home of a handicapped victim, assaulted him, and stole multiple items, to include $2000, prescription medication, and an antique firearm. Harris and the accomplice targeted the victim because they had prior knowledge he kept controlled substances and illegal drug proceeds at his residence. Before leaving the robbery scene, another victim arrived at the residence and was also assaulted by Harris and his accomplice. This second victim had an additional amount of cash and his car keys taken from his person. Harris and his accomplice fled in the second victim’s vehicle.
On Nov. 23, 2014, Harris and his accomplice committed an armed robbery at the Woods Edge Road Exxon. Upon being dropped off by his accomplice, Harris entered the store armed with an antique firearm and demanded money. After a brief struggle over the weapon, Harris obtained approximately $300 and fled the scene. In leaving the scene, Harris and his accomplice engaged in a high-speed pursuit with police. The robbers were apprehended several weeks later.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Charles E. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert is prosecuting the case. The Richmond Police Department and Chesterfield County Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:15-cr-84.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
