Alleged Robbers Caught After Flaunting Stolen Cash on Instagram

Four men from Los Angeles County are facing federal charges after they allegedly posted the money they stole on social media during a nearly two-month crime spree that primarily targeted 7-Eleven stores in South LA. The suspects were tracked down and arrested in July 2024 as part of a nine-count indictment.

Suspects Exposed Their Crimes Through Incriminating Social Media Posts

Alleged Armed Robbery Crew Targeted 7-Elevens and a CVS

The Department of Justice has accused the four men - Charles Christopher, D'Angelo Spencer, Jordan Leonard, and Tazjar Rouse - of conspiring to commit a series of armed robberies between November 2023 and December 2023. The suspects allegedly held their victims at gunpoint, demanding they hand over their cell phones and wallets. The crime spree primarily focused on 7-Eleven stores in South Los Angeles, but the crew is also accused of robbing a CVS in Hollywood. In total, the suspects are alleged to have stolen ,617 during their nearly two-month crime wave.

Suspects Flaunted Stolen Cash on Instagram

Federal investigators claim that the suspects' undoing came when one of them, Jordan Leonard, posted a photo on Instagram on November 28th showing a stack of cash. In the caption, Leonard allegedly tagged his accomplices Christopher and Spencer, suggesting they had just robbed a 7-Eleven before the photo was taken.Prosecutors allege that the four men's social media activity provided crucial evidence that helped law enforcement track them down and arrest them on July 23, 2024 as part of the nine-count federal indictment.

Suspects Face Lengthy Prison Sentences

Each of the four suspects has been charged with one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of interference with commerce by robbery. They also face various counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.If convicted, the men could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each Hobbs Act-related count, as well as a minimum sentence of seven years for each firearm brandishing count. "Violent gun crime leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars for victims," said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. "Anyone thinking that violent robberies are a good way to make money should take note that there will be consequences for your actions."The suspects' alleged actions have had a profound impact on their victims, who now face the trauma and aftermath of being targeted in these violent crimes. Law enforcement's swift action in tracking down and apprehending the suspects sends a clear message that such brazen criminal behavior will not be tolerated.