Today, Chief United States District Court Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced Malik Thompson to eight years and one month in federal prison for his involvement in an attempted armed robbery that led to the death of a co-conspirator. The 23-year-old Baltimore resident had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of attempted interference with commerce by violence under the Hobbs Act.
The sentence was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski from the FBI's Baltimore Field Office and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department.
Thompson and two accomplices planned to rob employees of a family-owned restaurant after learning they transported cash from their business to a North Baltimore residence. Instead of targeting the restaurant directly, they decided to ambush the family at home upon their return with daily earnings.
On August 10, 2020, Thompson and his accomplices waited near the family's residence. As the family arrived home, one co-conspirator brandished a handgun and demanded money. After resistance from the victims, shots were fired by both parties resulting in one victim being shot in the leg while acting in self-defense. The victim returned fire and fatally wounded the armed robber.
Thompson and another accomplice fled immediately, leaving behind their injured partner who later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators recovered evidence including a shoe left behind during their escape which matched Thompson's DNA profile through analysis.
Further evidence such as cell-site location data and text messages confirmed Thompson's role in planning and executing the robbery attempt.
U.S. Attorney Hayes praised both federal and local law enforcement agencies for their thorough investigation efforts leading to this outcome. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gordin prosecuted this case.
For additional information on resources provided by Maryland’s U.S. Attorney’s Office visit justice.gov/usao-md or justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach
