Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced Shamar Lajuan Thomas (26, Clearwater), a/k/a “Baby," to 35 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and using or carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. A federal jury found Thomas guilty on Oct. 11, 2018. Thomas was the last member of the Polk County-based criminal organization to be convicted of conducting armed robberies of other drug dealers.
According to evidence presented at trial, from at least April 2007, and continuing through July 20, 2017, Marion Dwight, Jr. conspired with Thomas and others to commit multiple armed robberies and burglaries of several local drug dealers. During each of the incidents, they discharged or brandished firearms. To date, the FBI has identified at least 14 armed robberies and 4 armed burglaries that were committed by Dwight and his co-conspirators.
In June 2016, Thomas and his co-conspirator, Fredrick James Burney, Jr. a/k/a “Frido," forced their way inside of a home in Lakeland in search of narcotics and cash. While inside, they held a male victim at gunpoint, shot at a female victim, and stole cash and a firearm from the victims. During the robbery, Thomas physically attacked the woman and repeatedly hit her in the head with his firearm, causing her to bleed profusely.
Seven others have pleaded guilty to various offenses. Each faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, as noted below:
Name
Age, Residence
Status
Bradney Henry McGary
32, Lakeland
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 1 count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Sentenced to 19 years and 2 months imprisonment on Oct. 17, 2018.
Sherrod Raeshad Gordon,
a/k/a “Hott"
32, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Sentenced to 29 years and 8 months imprisonment on Feb. 1, 2019.
Marion Dwight, Jr.
a/k/a “Woe,"
a/k/a “Woe Money"
31, Lakeland
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, and up to life in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for April 4, 2019.
Michael James Baker,
a/k/a “Bake,"
a/k/a “Maserati"
35, Clearwater
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of brandishing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 32 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for March 15, 2019.
Fredrick James Burney, Jr.,
a/k/a “Frido"
a/k/a “Free"
28, Clearwater
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for April 11, 2019.
Antonio Marquis Roddy,
a/k/a “Lil Head"
31, Orlando
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for March 15, 2019.
Jevin Michael Stone
30, Lakeland
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for March 15, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and James Muench.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
