Five Defendants Sentenced Following the Robberies of Two Cell Phone Stores in Montgomery, Alabama

           Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced the sentencing of five individuals for their roles in robbing two cell phone stores at gunpoint. Two of the defendants also pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.

           The following provides more detail about the various defendants convicted and the sentences imposed.

• On May 13, 2024, Devon Lemar Bledson, 29, received a sentence of 204 months in prison following his guilty plea to three charges: interference with interstate commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

• On April 16, 2024, 31-year-old Devontae Gentry, received a sentence of 240 months in prison following a guilty plea to committing interference with interstate commerce by robbery.

• On April 3, 2024, Antonio Lavasia Provo, 33, received a sentence of 72 months in prison after pleading guilty to interference with interstate commerce by robbery.

• On March 28, 2024, 19-year-old Jaylan Subry Bledson, received a 90-month sentence following a plea of guilty to committing interference with interstate commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence.

• On March 14, 2024, 29-year-old Staci Danielle Gilbert, received a prison sentence of 60 months for after pleading guilty to interference with interstate commerce by robbery and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

All defendants are residents of Montgomery, Alabama, with the exception of Devontae Gentry, who is from Chicago, Illinois. 

According to the plea agreements and other court records, on April 25, 2023, members of the group entered a cell phone store located on the Eastern Boulevard in Montgomery. One of the members pointed a gun at store employees and demanded to be taken to the store’s safe.  After gaining access to the safe, the defendants took assorted electronic devices. The group repeated the same actions on May 18, 2023, this time at a cell phone store on Ann Street in Montgomery. Again, the defendants used a firearm to threaten store employees and gain access to the safe.

After the Ann Street store robbery, law enforcement located the group as it was traveling on an interstate highway in Chilton County. Responding officers were able to stop the defendants’ vehicle after a brief pursuit. The officers identified Devon Bledson as the driver. They found three other group members in the vehicle: Staci Gilbert, Jaylan Bledson, and Devontae Gentry. When law enforcement searched the vehicle, they also found firearms and pills containing fentanyl. Further investigation revealed Antonio Provo’s involvement in the robberies.

“Combatting violent crime is a top priority for this office,” said United States Attorney Ross. “The use of firearms to commit crimes shows a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of community members. This case is yet another example of the good work that results from law enforcement agencies coming together to bring to justice violent individuals. I am grateful for the responding officers and deputies who put their lives on the line, as well as the investigators and agents who gathered the evidence needed for prosecution. Because of their efforts, these five defendants received the significant sentences imposed.”

“The sentences imposed on these defendants should send a strong message to anyone contemplating other violent criminal acts,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown with the Mobile, Alabama Field Office. “Those who work and live in Montgomery deserve to feel safe and secure in their community. The successful investigation and prosecution of these defendants was achieved due to the strong partnerships between the FBI, Montgomery Police Department, Clanton Police Department, Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Montgomery Police Department, the Clanton Police Department, the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency conducted this investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Bates prosecuted the case.