Feds indict 11 from Durham in robbery spree targeting minority business owners
Federal indictments have been issued for 11 people from Durham in connection with a robbery spree targeting minority-owned businesses.
Matthew G.T. Martin, U.S. attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, announced the indictments May 3.
Investigators say those indicted conspired to commit robberies that happened from October 2015 through January 2016, according to a news release. They are:
▪ Savian Jacoby Turrentine, 26, Durham
▪ Deion Tyrell Liles, 23, Durham
▪ Ervin Montez Alston, 26, Durham
▪ Jermauciyae Rysuan Abram, 21, Durham
▪ Kevin Jamie Jenavous Malone, 24, Durham
▪ Terrell Lee McLamb, 26, Durham
▪ Howard Freeman Earl Jr., 24, Durham
▪ Markey Antonio Goldston, 29, Durham
▪ Barry Dion Holt, 26, Durham
▪ Joshua Quinton Jones, 23, Durham
▪ Anthony Latario James, 23, Durham
Investigators accuse them of targeting the homes of Middle-Eastern and Asian business owners in Durham and Hillsborough whose shops are in Durham, Orange and Guilford counties, the release says.
They conspired to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery, which is a robbery by means of actual or threatened force, violence, and fear, the release says.
The maximum sentence for this charge is 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Defendants convicted of brandishing a firearm face a minimum sentence of seven years in prison.
Goldston faces a separate two-count indictment on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the release says. If convicted of the drug charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both, the release says. If convicted of the firearm charge, he faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
“These organized criminals systematically terrorized and preyed upon minority business owners and their families,” Martin said. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing violent crime and protecting the people of the Middle District by identifying and prosecuting violent offenders like these.”
This story was originally published May 8, 2019 at 7:11 PM.