What happened when innocent transactions turned deadly? An Indianapolis man received a 50-year sentence and a violent, twisted scheme.#Crime #IndianapolisIN #News #Indiana
The city of Indianapolis, Indiana Due to his role in a string of violent robberies, including one that ended in a fatal shooting, a 29-year-old man from Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison. The crimes were committed by enticing victims with listings on LetGo and OfferUp, two online marketplaces.
A number of offenses led to Demetris Campbell’s conviction, including conspiracy to commit commercial robbery, assistance in the commission of commercial robbery, and aiding in the brandishing of a firearm during violent crimes. The maximum amount of time he will be under supervision after serving his jail sentence is also part of his sentencing.
The Series of Robberies
Campbell planned at least four armed robberies between July 19 and July 28, 2020, all of which involved luring victims to an apartment building with the promise of meeting for online-listed purchases.
Using the OfferUp account Man with a Plan, Campbell set up a meeting with a parent and his 15-year-old son on July 19 in order to sell an iPhone. When Campbell and two accomplices, including Angel Montano, arrived, they accosted the victims. The men demanded money while brandishing firearms. The victim’s money and Nike Air Jordans were taken, and a firearm was used to hit the child in the face.
Campbell lured a mother and her two kids to the apartment complex the next day using the same OfferUp account. While the children were inside the car, Montano reached inside the woman’s car, pressed the barrel of a pistol on her, and took her cash and iPhones.
Two days later, Campbell tricked a woman into meeting with him by posing as Simone on LetGo, using a different account to purchase an iPhone. Montano showed a gun and threatened to shoot the woman when she arrived. She presented her Samsung phone and $560 in cash.
Using the OfferUp account Tony Reed, Campbell set up a meeting with a man on July 28 in order to sell two iPhones for $1,400. When they got to the meeting place, the man and his brother started to feel nervous. Montano intercepted their vehicle and started shooting as they tried to flee, striking the guy and killing his sibling. At the time of the shooting, Campbell was there.
Investigation and Arrest
After investigators linked Campbell to the phony usernames used in the robberies, he was taken into custody on July 29, 2020. Additionally, police discovered that he and Montano had conspired to sell stolen phones and split the proceeds of their illegal activity.
A crucial collaborator in the robberies, Angel Montano, pleaded guilty to two charges of commercial robbery and one count of flashing a pistol during the commission of a violent felony and was sentenced to 40 years in prison in February 2023.
The victims and their families were affected by the crimes for a long time. The unfortunate outcome was articulated by U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, who said, “The man who was taken from his family by these vicious criminals should still be here today.” The shooting of his brother and the suffering these criminals inflicted on the other victims, including several children, should never have happened.
Safety Tips for Online Transactions
Additionally, U.S. Attorney Myers cautioned against the dangers of conducting business through internet marketplaces. He pointed out that violent offenders are increasingly luring victims into armed robberies via websites like LetGo and OfferUp.
In order to keep everyone safe when buying and selling online, the majority of local police departments will let customers use their facilities as a secure meeting spot.
Being cautious is essential when using internet markets. Although these platforms are convenient for both buyers and sellers, criminals may take advantage of them. Meeting places that are safe, such as police stations, can lower the dangers and shield people from possible violence.
RELATED TOPICS: Indiana Crime
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