Tavarus Thompson, a 32-year-old resident of the District of Columbia, was sentenced on Mar. 31 to 205 months in prison for his involvement in dozens of armed robberies and attempted robberies at commercial establishments across the metropolitan region during early 2022, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The sentencing addresses a series of violent incidents that affected restaurant workers, store clerks, and gas station attendants who were confronted at gunpoint while performing their jobs. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address violent crime and protect local businesses.
Thompson pleaded guilty on March 29, 2024, before Judge Reggie B. Walton to charges including conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to serve five years of supervised release.
"Tavarus Thompson committed dozens of armed robberies and attempted armed robberies in less than three months—targeting restaurant workers, store clerks, and gas station attendants, ordinary people simply doing their jobs. Each time, they were forced to stare down the barrel of a gun," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Thompson turned workplaces into war zones. This is the kind of individual who does not belong in our society, and today, he is being held fully accountable."
According to court documents, Thompson's crime spree began on January 12, 2022 with an armed robbery at a gas station on 18th Street NE and ended after law enforcement stopped a stolen car on March 6 at First Street NW and Gallatin Street NW leading to arrests connected with the case. Thompson himself was arrested later that month in South Carolina.
Co-defendants Aaron Harrigan and Stephon Harrigan also pleaded guilty for their roles; Aaron Harrigan received an 87-month sentence while Stephon Harrigan was sentenced to 210 months in prison.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI’s Washington Field Office Violent Crime Task Force and Metropolitan Police Department’s Carjacking Task Force as well as support from regional police departments.
