Convicted Felon Sentenced To 481 Months In Prison For String Of Louisville Area Armed Robberies

- Prosecution Part of Project Recoil

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville convicted felon was sentenced recently in U.S. District Court by Senior Judge Thomas B. Russell, to 481 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release,  for the armed robbery of eleven area convenient stores and fast food restaurants in December, 2012, and January, 2013, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. The charges stemmed from “Project Recoil” – an initiative for more effective prosecution of violent criminals in Louisville that relies upon collaboration among federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.

Troy Lemont Gaines, age 23 of Louisville, and co-defendant Shaundrell Robinson, age 34 of Louisville, were  charged in a 22 count federal indictment on April 2, 2013. The defendants have prior felony convictions and were charged with eleven armed robberies between December 5, 2012 and January 3, 2013 in Metro Louisville and Radcliffe, Kentucky. During one robbery, a shot was fired by Gaines while in a struggle with a customer. Gaines was arrested by Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) on January 5, 2013, immediately after robbing a Speedway gas station located 8325 Preston Highway.

Co-defendant Shaundrell Robinson was previously sentenced on November 11, 2014 by Senior Judge Thomas B. Russell to 216 months in prison followed by a three year period of supervised release.

“We have concluded the prosecution of this terrible frenzy of armed robberies, and the collaboration of our state and local partners has been instrumental in getting this done,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kuhn. “ ‘Project Recoil’ is proving to be a highly effective tool in dealing with violent crime in our community.  Lengthy sentences for violent repeat offenders are one important part of a comprehensive approach to building a safer community, and we value the support of our state and local partners for this program.”

The United States was prepared to present evidence, according to court records, that included: video surveillance of the armed robberies while in progress, a police dash-cam video showing Gaines arrest while still wearing a ski mask, a Lorcin semi-automatic pistol, magazine, five rounds of ammunition removed from the magazine and two shell casings found on the sidewalk outside the China Express restaurant that was held-up on December 19, 2012, an audio clip of Gaines’ statement to LMPD, video still photos signed by Gaines, a black ski mask and a loaded 9mm pistol seized from Gaines at the time of his arrest.

In July 2014, Gaines pleaded guilty to 11 counts of robbery affecting interstate commerce and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  The charged armed robberies included the Super Stop Food Mart, located at 7303 Preston Highway, on December 5, 2012, and on December 14, 2012. The armed robbery of  the Meijer store, located at 4600 South Hurstbourne Parkway in Louisville, on December 15, 2012. The armed robbery of JR Liquors 2 store, located at 13018 Dixie Highway, in Louisville, on December 19, 2012. The armed robbery of the Circle P Shell Food Mart, located at 1500 North Dixie Highway in Radcliff, Kentucky, on December 19, 2012. The armed robbery of the China Express restaurant, located at 4946 Poplar Level Road in Louisville, on December 20, 2012. The armed robbery of the Berry Petroleum store, located at 1871 Berry Boulevard in Louisville on December 27, 2012.  The armed robbery of Thornton=s store, located at 12412 LaGrange Road in Louisville, on December 31, 2012.The armed robbery of the Speedway store, located at 3030 Taylor Blvd. in Louisville, on December 31, 2012. The armed robbery of White Castle restaurant, located at 2711 Fern Valley Road in Louisville, on January 3, 2013. The armed robbery of Speedway store, located at 8325 Preston Highway in Louisville, on January 5, 2013.

Gaines faced a total minimum sentence of 257 years in prison and up to 5 years of supervised release per charge and a fine of $250,000 per charge.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Bonar and was investigated by the Louisville Metro Police Robbery Unit.