Rock Island Man Pleads Guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Sentencing is scheduled in February 2019 for Ronald T. Walker, 37, of Rock Island, Ill., who pleaded guilty on Oct. 19, 2018, to one count of robbery, in violation of the Hobbs Act, before U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow.  

As part of his plea, Walker admitted that on Dec. 18, 2017, he arranged for the purchase from a drug dealer of a small amount of marijuana. Instead of purchasing the drugs, however, Walker stabbed his would-be drug dealer and took the marijuana by force. Walker’s assault was so vicious that the point of his knife was embedded in his victim’s skull for several months. 

Robbery of drugs or drug proceeds, even illegal ones, constitutes a violation of the Hobbs Act, which criminalizes robberies affecting interstate commerce. Violators face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Additional, consecutive penalties are added if firearms are involved. 

Walker’s sentencing is currently set for Feb. 19, 2019, before Judge Darrow. Walker has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since he was arrested and indicted on the federal charge in June 2018.

The charge is the result of an investigation by the Rock Island Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald B. Allegro and Kevin C. Knight are prosecuting the case.