Opelousas man sentenced to 57 years in prison for robbing three businesses at gunpoint

LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that an Opelousas man was sentenced to 684 months and one day in prison for robbing three local businesses at gunpoint.

Carey Wardell Reed, 29, of Opelousas, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rebecca F. Doherty on three counts of interference with commerce by robbery; two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime; and one count of using, carrying and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised released and ordered to pay $3,098.77 restitution.

Reed was found guilty by a jury on March 7, 2017. According to the evidence presented at trial, Reed robbed three commercial establishments in Opelousas in 2014. On May 2, 2014, Reed robbed the Tiger Stop #7 gas station. He fired a shot, and told everyone inside to “get down.” He then had the employees empty the cash register of $704 and fled the scene. One May 10, 2014, Reed robbed the Chicken King restaurant. He entered the restaurant with a gun, which he pointed at the cashier. He demanded money and threatened to harm those present. The cashier turned over $985, and Reed fled. On September 22, 2014, Reed robbed a Family Dollar store. He entered the store with a handgun and demanded money. Before leaving, he also threatened the employees’ lives and took $1,400. The defendant was arrested on September 30, 2014 after police conducted a traffic stop. Extensive ballistic and digital forensic evidence were key in proving Reed to be the perpetrator in all three robberies.

The FBI and the Opelousas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.