Four Shreveport Men Indicted for String Of Armed Robberies At Businesses In Louisiana And Texas

SHREVEPORT, La: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a grand jury indicted four Shreveport men Thursday as part of a 27-count indictment related to a string of robberies last year that took place in Shreveport, Bossier City, Sabine Parish, and Texas.

Myles W. Robinson, 20, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 13 counts of robbery, and 13 counts of using firearms during a crime of violence.

Halston M. Smith, 22, is charged with one count of conspiracy, seven counts of robbery, and seven counts of using firearms during a crime of violence.

James D. Tyson, 22, is charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of robbery, and one count of using firearms during a crime of violence.

Tremario D. Washington, 23, is charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of robbery, and one count of using firearms during a crime of violence.

According to the indictment, the armed robberies took place between June 1, 2012 and Nov. 14, 2012 at 15 businesses with the men stealing more than $17,900. Robinson took part in all the robberies, but perpetrated five of the robberies alone. In some cases a shotgun was used, in other cases a handgun, and sometimes both were used to rob the businesses. The defendants robbed businesses in Shreveport, La., Bossier City, La., Stonewall, La., Oil City, La., and Atlanta, Tx.

Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both with five years of supervised release for the conspiracy count; and 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both with five years of supervised release for each robbery count. For using firearms during a crime of violence, the first count requires seven years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both with five years of supervised release. After that, each firearms count requires 25 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both with five years of supervised release. A trial date will be set at a later date.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The ATF, Shreveport Police Department, Bossier City Police Department, Atlanta Texas Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Bossier Parish District Attorney’s Office took part in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Cowles is prosecuting the case.