Convicted Felon Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison Following Robbery Spree of Six Indianapolis Businesses

INDIANAPOLIS- Javonte Smith, 34, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, between November 21 and December 2, 2023, Smith went on an armed robbery spree in Indianapolis, Indiana, during which he robbed six businesses- often while armed with a handgun- and stole a total of $14,797 in cash.

Following the final robbery on December 2^nd, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officers followed Smith to a Motel 6 and arrested him. He was found wearing distinct shoes, black pants, and a blue dress- clothing he had been seen wearing on surveillance footage during several of the robberies. During a search of his vehicle, officers found additional disguises used in the crimes, including a black coat and black wig, medical mask, sunglasses, black gloves, a black puffer jacket, a brown coat, and a blue hooded sweatshirt. Officers also recovered a black Taurus handgun and the keys to a recently stolen GMC Terrain.

At the time of his arrest, Smith had previously been convicted of multiple felonies; including resisting law enforcement, fraud on a financial institution, robbery, and two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. These prior felony convictions prohibit Smith from ever legally possessing a firearm.

“This defendant terrorized hard-working people just trying to do their jobs and earn a living,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thanks to the swift work of our law enforcement partners, his violent crime spree was brought to an end, and he will now face serious federal prison time. This office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of repeat offenders who use firearms to commit violence in our communities.”

“This sentence reflects the serious consequences awaiting those who choose violence and intimidation to commit their crimes. His action put lives at risk and threatened the safety of our community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and get them - and the illegal weapons they carry - off our streets.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.   

U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter, who prosecuted this case. SAUSA Walter is prosecuting violent crime cases as a part of the partnership with the City of Indianapolis to identify, investigate, and federally prosecute violent crimes taking place in Marion County.

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.

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