Javonte Smith, 34, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a series of armed robberies. The sentence also includes three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Smith committed six armed robberies at various businesses in Indianapolis between November 21 and December 2, 2023. The targeted businesses included two Family Dollar stores, a McDonald's restaurant, two Walmart locations, and a Kroger store. In total, Smith stole $14,797 in cash during the spree.
Smith was arrested by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers following the final robbery on December 2. Officers tracked him to a Motel 6 where he was found wearing clothing seen on surveillance footage from several of the robberies. A search of his vehicle revealed disguises used during the crimes and a black Taurus handgun. Officers also recovered keys to a recently stolen GMC Terrain.
At the time of his arrest, Smith had prior felony convictions for resisting law enforcement, fraud on a financial institution, robbery, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. These convictions prohibited him from legally possessing firearms.
“This defendant terrorized hard-working people just trying to do their jobs and earn a living,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his violent crime spree was brought to an end, and he will now face serious federal prison time. This office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of repeat offenders who use firearms to commit violence in our communities.”
“This sentence reflects the serious consequences awaiting those who choose violence and intimidation to commit their crimes. His action put lives at risk and threatened the safety of our community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and get them - and the illegal weapons they carry - off our streets.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD. U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter for prosecuting this case as part of an ongoing partnership with the City of Indianapolis aimed at identifying and prosecuting violent crimes in Marion County.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together law enforcement agencies and communities with goals that include reducing violent crime and gun violence across neighborhoods nationwide.
