LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY) – Three men who went on a 2022 crime spree in Louisiana that extended into Texas and Mississippi will each spend at least a decade in federal prison, prosecutors said.
Each defendant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, according to United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the men as follows:
Each defendant will also serve 5 years of supervised release following their release from prison.
The three defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with a string of robberies that they committed between April 14-27, 2022.
The Hobbs Act prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion that affects interstate or foreign commerce. It also forbids conspiracy to do so.
During this time, prosecutors said Ard, Brumfield, and Finley conspired to take property from multiple businesses and people by force, threat and violence. Each defendant admitted to using a firearm in furtherance of the robbery of Bordertown Travel to help them obtain property from them by threat and force. In addition, the three defendants stole multiple vehicles, firearms, property from convenience stores, and robbed individuals at gunpoint along the way, officials said.
This crime spree finally ended after the robbery of a store in Vinton, Louisiana after which all three attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed from police which resulted in spikes being employed, followed by a foot chase, until Ard, Brumfield, and Finley were apprehended by police.
"These three defendants left many victims frightened and scarred by the threats of gun
violence and robbery committed against them," Brown said. "They had no care of others’ property or life as they made their way across three states committing these robberies."
Lyonel Myrthil, special agent in charge of FBI New Orleans, said ending the crime spree was a team effort.
“For twelve days, this trio terrorized victims at multiple gas stations and convenience
stores,” Myrthil said. “The FBI appreciates its local and state partners for helping to shorten their crime spree. The FBI is committed to working hard with communities across Louisiana to change this culture of violence.”
