Donta Allen, 28, and Lance McGee, 33, both from Indianapolis, have been sentenced to a combined total of 57 years in federal prison for their involvement in a series of eleven armed robberies across Marion County. The sentencing follows guilty pleas from both men on multiple counts related to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during violent crimes.
Allen received a sentence of 38 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to 11 counts of interference with commerce by robbery and four counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He was also ordered to pay $12,790.91 in restitution and will serve three years under supervision after his release.
McGee pleaded guilty to the same number of robbery charges and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 19.5 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and must also pay $12,790.91 in restitution.
Court documents show that between March 25 and April 8, 2022, Allen and McGee conspired to rob at least eleven stores located in Indianapolis and Speedway, Indiana. Allen entered each store wearing a ski mask and used makeup to hide his tattoos while pointing a firearm at cashiers and demanding money. McGee acted as the getaway driver using a Chevy Malibu and shared in the proceeds.
The weapon used—a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol—was stolen by McGee from a client while he was employed at a moving company.
The robberies took place at several businesses including Disc Replay, GameStop, and AutoZone locations on various dates:
- March 25: Disc Replay (8210 Rockville Road) and GameStop (5816 Crawfordsville Road)
- March 27: GameStop (3269 West 86th Street) and AutoZone (4606 East County Line Road)
- April 2: GameStop (4525 Lafayette Road) and AutoZone (7455 Michigan Road)
- April 3: Disc Replay (9739 East Washington Street)
- April 5: Disc Replay (7317 US 31 South), AutoZone (8525 Southeastern Avenue), AutoZone (6055 East 82nd Street)
- April 8: GameStop (6905 South Emerson Avenue)
Both defendants had prior felony convictions that prohibited them from legally possessing firearms. McGee’s record includes felony possession of narcotic drugs; Allen has previous convictions for robbery-related offenses.
“This case sends a clear message that repeat violent offenders who terrorize our communities will face the full force of federal justice,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Donta Allen and Lance McGee are recidivist criminals who committed a spree of armed robberies, endangering lives across Marion County. Thanks to the exceptional work of the FBI, IMPD, and the Speedway Police Department, they have received lengthy prison sentences and can no longer threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”
“Our communities deserve to feel safe from violent criminals who think nothing of pointing a gun at innocent people,” said Timothy J. O’Malley, special agent in charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “These sentences reflect the strength of our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement and send a clear message: if you use a firearm to terrorize others, you will face serious consequences.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI along with local police departments including IMPD and Speedway Police Department. U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker imposed the sentences.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler expressed appreciation for Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash’s role as prosecutor on this case.
