Repeat Felon Gets 29-Year Sentence for Armed Robberies in Indiana

An Indiana man has been sentenced to nearly 30 years in federal prison for a string of armed robberies across Indianapolis.

Robert Williams, 57, pleaded guilty to six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A federal judge sentenced him to 29 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Details of the Armed Robberies

According to court documents, Williams carried out six robberies at four different Dollar General stores between July 8 and August 14, 2023. In each incident, he used either a revolver or a handgun tucked in his waistband to intimidate store employees, stealing a total of $1,799.

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Williams’ Long Criminal History

Williams’ criminal record stretches back nearly 40 years, with prior convictions for theft, narcotics possession, battery against a public safety official, and domestic battery. Because of these felony convictions, he was legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

Federal Prosecution and Sentencing

“Six different times the defendant terrorized innocent people who simply had the misfortune to work at a business he decided to target for a few hundred dollars,” said Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.

READ MORE: Indiana Banker Sentenced for Bank Theft of More Than $158k

Community Impact and Safety Initiatives

The FBI and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department led the investigation, with the case prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative to combat violent crime and gun violence.