Feds seek 14+ years for man who allegedly robbed 12 convenience stores in a week

CHICAGO — Federal prosecutors have reached a plea settlement with a person accused of robbing 12 comfort shops in Chicago and the suburbs throughout one week final yr. Officers anticipate to hunt a sentence in extra of 14 years.

Terrance Thomas, 20, was on parole for illegally possessing and firing a handgun when he and a minimum of two co-conspirators allegedly went on the seven-day spree that stretched from the town’s North Aspect to Cicero.

State prosecutors filed fees towards him in April 2023, however federal prosecutors determined to step in and cost him with three felonies in reference to one of many crimes: theft affecting interstate commerce, utilizing a firearm within the fee of a violent crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In line with the lately filed plea settlement, the robberies started round 2:42 a.m. on March 27, 2023, on the 7-Eleven, 6800 West North Avenue in Chicago. Thomas and an individual recognized solely as “Co-Conspirator A” allegedly pointed weapons on the cashier and took a complete of $60 from two registers.

Federal officers say Thomas and “A” additionally robbed:

7-Eleven at 954 West Monroe at 1:10 a.m. on March 29, 2023. “Co-Conspirator A” additionally carjacked one of many retailer’s clients and drove away with the sufferer’s 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The duo allegedly scored simply $113 within the heist.

The 7-Eleven at 560 West Grenshaw of $297 at 1:38 a.m. on March 29, 2023.

The 7-Eleven at 3700 North Broadway at 2:47 a.m. on March 29, 2023. They bought away with about $250.

The 7-Eleven at 6801 North Western at 3:05 a.m. on March 29, 2023. $586 was taken.

The 7-Eleven at 2741 West Touhy at 3:11 a.m. on March 29, 2023. $260 was taken.

The Thorntons at 3450 South California at 2:59 a.m. on March 31, 2023. Each males allegedly disassembled three money registers to entry $1,044.

The Pilot Journey Middle, 7501 South Harlem in Bridgeview, at 3:22 a.m. on April 3, 2023. They allegedly took $1,056 after forcing an worker to open the registers.

The theft that sparked the three federal fees occurred at Thorntons, 2229 South Cicero, at 2:43 a.m. on March 31, 2023. Prosecutors stated Thomas held the door open and pointed a gun on the worker whereas “A,” additionally pointing a gun on the employee, took $335 from the registers. They escaped in a Hyundai Tucson pushed by one other particular person.

Police lastly arrested Thomas in early April 2023 after a site visitors pursuit that reached 102 mph on the expressways, officers stated. The automotive he was driving, a 2020 Hyundai Tucson, had a stripped steering column and a damaged rear facet window lined with a plastic bag, suggesting it might have been stolen.

Altogether, federal officers consider the theft crew took $4,430. By regulation, the choose should order Thomas to pay restitution upon conviction, in response to the plea settlement.

The doc stated Thomas may resist 20 years in jail for theft and utilizing a firearm throughout a violent crime. The third rely, being a felon in possession of a firearm, carries a minimal sentence of seven years with a most of life, the settlement said. These years have to be served consecutively to the opposite counts.

Nevertheless, prosecutors stated they anticipate to hunt a sentence of 87 to 108 months on the primary two fees and a minimal of seven consecutive years for the third rely.