Two Philadelphia men have each been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a series of armed robberies throughout the city in 2022, according to a July 21 announcement by United States Attorney David Metcalf. Three people were shot during two separate incidents connected to the defendants’ crime spree.
Lance Ryan, 28, received a sentence of 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release from United States District Chief Judge Wendy Beetlestone. Ryan pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit robbery interfering with interstate commerce, two counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, and two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Co-defendant Rodney Whiting, 33, was sentenced last month by Chief Judge Beetlestone to 231 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. Whiting pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy charges as well as four counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce and one count related to firearms use during violent crimes.
Court filings indicate that between May and October 2022, Whiting, Ryan, and an accomplice—charged separately—planned robberies at several commercial businesses across Philadelphia. They used at least one privately manufactured semi-automatic pistol known as a “ghost gun.” Investigators found that several targeted businesses were within one block of Whiting’s residence on Ogontz Avenue.
The group’s actions included robbing a Mascher Street convenience store on May 23; attempting another robbery at a South Philadelphia bar the next day where shots were fired; holding up employees at Little Caesar’s Pizza on June 2; attempting an armed robbery at Ogontz Minimart on June 17 resulting in another shooting; committing additional robberies or attempts at dry-cleaning businesses and laundromats along Ogontz Avenue; and finally robbing Dollar General on North Broad Street on October 4. Ballistic evidence confirmed that the same ghost gun was used during both shooting incidents.
Ryan was later apprehended by federal authorities while hiding out of state after warrants were issued for his arrest. Both men will serve extended periods under federal supervision following their release from prison.