Baltimore Store Robber Exiled to 10 Years in Prison

BALTIMORE—U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Corey Washington, age 29, of Baltimore, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing a clothing store. Judge Garbis enhanced Washington’s sentence upon finding that Washington is a career offender based on two previous convictions for armed robbery and possession with intent to distribute drugs.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.

According to his plea agreement, early on August 6, 2012, investigators intercepted phone calls between Washington and co-defendant Gerrod Richardson in which Richardson proposed that they rob the clothing store where he worked, which was located in the 5800 block of Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore County. The defendants met later that morning and finalized their plans. Washington entered the store at 9:30 a.m., posing as a customer. Washington walked to the store’s business office and brandished what appeared to be a gun at the store manager, demanding money from the store safe. The manager opened the safe and gave Washington $3,000 in cash and coins. Washington fled.

Later that day, investigators arrested Washington near his home and seized $1,000 in cash. They also seized empty coin wrappers matching those used by the store from Washington’s home and car. Washington admitted to the robbery.

Gerrod Richardson, age 40, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the robbery and was sentenced to 28 months in prison.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore City and County Police Departments, and Baltimore City and County State’s Attorney's Offices for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Clinton J. Fuchs and James Wallner, who prosecuted the case.