Former Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty in Robbery and Shooting Death of Rhode Island Gas Station Manager, Faces up to Life in Federal Prison
Co-Defendants Jason Wayne Pleau and Kelly Marie Lajoie Previously Pleaded Guilty and Await Sentencing

PROVIDENCE, RI—Jose A. Santiago, 36, formerly of Springfield, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; Hobbs Act robbery; and carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence, death resulting, for his participation in a conspiracy that resulted in the armed robbery and murder of David D. Main of Woonsocket on September 20, 2010. Mr. Main was chased, shot to death at close range, and robbed as he approached the doorstep of a Woonsocket, Rhode Island bank where he was preparing to deposit receipts belonging to a gas station he managed.

Santiago, who has been identified in court records as the getaway driver following the robbery and murder of Mr. Main, was scheduled to go on trial on Monday, September 9, 2013. Santiago’s guilty plea was entered prior to the beginning of the second day of jury empanelment. At sentencing on November 22, 2013, pursuant to federal sentencing guidelines, Santiago faces between 30 years to life in federal prison. No plea agreement was filed in this matter.

Santiago’s guilty plea before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith was announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin; Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas S. Carey; and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI.

Jason Wayne Pleau, 35, pleaded guilty on July 31, 2013, to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; Hobbs Act robbery; and carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence, death resulting. At the time of his guilty plea, Pleau admitted to the court that he robbed and murdered David Main as Mr. Main approached the bank. Pleau admitted to the court that he fled from the area in a vehicle which was parked on a nearby side street near the bank and was being driven by Jose Santiago.

Pleau faces up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith on October 25, 2013.

Kelly Marie Lajoie, 35, pleaded guilty on December 9, 2011, to Hobbs Act conspiracy; aiding and abetting a Hobbs Act robbery; and use of a firearm during a federal crime of violence. She is detained while awaiting sentencing. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

The defendants are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adi Goldstein and William J. Ferland.

The matter was investigated by the FBI, Woonsocket Police, and Rhode Island State Police, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rhode Island National Guard.