Date: 05-09-2014

Case Style: United States of America v. Lionell Sanders

Case Number: 1:13-cr-20782-KMM

Judge: K. Michael Moore

Court: United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Miami-Dade County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Vanessa S. Johannes and Arimentha R. Walkins

Defendant's Attorney: Alfredo A. Izaguirre

Description: Miami, FL - Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Manuel Orosa, Chief, City of Miami Police Department, announce that Lionell Sanders, 19, of Miami, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore to fifty-six years and four months in prison, after pleading guilty on December 9, 2013 to conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce, and two counts each of robbery affecting interstate commerce and the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to information in the court record, from August through September 2013 Sanders and his associates conducted a string of violent armed robberies targeting food delivery drivers and taxicab operators. On at least five separate occasions, Sanders and his co-conspirators placed orders for food deliveries, or requested taxi service, at residential locations where he and others, brandishing firearms, assaulted the drivers and forcibly took money, other personal belongings, and any items to be delivered. Several of the robberies resulted in injuries to the victims of varying severity.

This case is, in large part, the result of the Violence Reduction Partnership, launched by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Through this Partnership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal and local law enforcement allies have sought to dismantle the most violent criminal networks in various neighborhoods, while simultaneously working with community leaders and concerned citizens to mentor at-risk youths, provide jobs and job training to young families, and help probationers and parolees successfully re-enter society.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the ATF and the City of Miami Police Department.

Outcome:

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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