St. Louis, MO -Deven Strauther, 28, St. Louis, MO, was indicted today on two felony counts of attempted interfering with commerce by threats of violence and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence stemming from the attempted armed robbery of the Robinson Jewelry Company on Chippewa Street in the City of St. Louis.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2019, Strauther and another individual arrived on the parking lot of Robinson Jewelry in a stolen vehicle. Strauther was armed with a semi-automatic weapon. The lower portion of his face was covered. Strauther attempted to enter the jewelry store.
An off-duty officer working security and the business owner were armed and fired their weapons at Strauther. Strauther was struck by the gunfire. Strauther fired his weapon into the business as he and the other suspect ran, entered the stolen vehicle, and fled from the scene.
Strauther was located approximately 30 minutes after the shooting at an area hospital with two gunshot wounds to his abdomen.
If convicted, the charge of attempted interfering with commerce by threats of violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed and a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives are investigating this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is handling the case.
Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
