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Press Release

Serial armed robber found guilty in federal trial

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Indiana

Indianapolis man robbed four retail stores at gunpoint in 2017  

PRESS RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today the conviction of Kevin Ingram, 28, following a federal criminal trial. The jury found Ingram guilty of all charges, which stemmed from four robberies of retail stores in Indianapolis in October 2017, and using a firearm in each of the four robberies. The trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.

“Hoosiers should feel safe in their daily lives and not have to fear violence when they go to the store or the salon,” said Minkler. “Those who choose to terrorize our community with violence, particularly those who use firearms, will feel the full weight of federal law enforcement brought to bear on their crimes.”

In mid-October 2017, Ingram robbed four Indianapolis stores at gunpoint in an eight-day spree. Two of the stores were beauty salons, where Ingram stuck a semi-automatic pistol in the faces and backs of store workers and customers. He demanded cash and threatened to shoot if they did not comply. The other two stores Ingram robbed were larger, one being a beauty supply shop and the other a dollar store. Ingram robbed both stores in the middle of the afternoon, with the stores full of patrons. In each case, he pretended to purchase an item and then leaned over the counter, drew his pistol, demanded money, and started counting down before threatening to shoot. In all, he stole approximately $3,000 in cash and threatened at least eight victims at gunpoint, all of whom were female.

Days after the fourth robbery, Ingram saw his face on the news from store security camera footage and fled to Houston, Texas. There, he is alleged to have committed at least three more robberies of individuals at knifepoint. He was apprehended in Indianapolis several weeks later. 

At trial, the jury heard testimony from each of the women Ingram terrorized at gunpoint.  In addition, the jury saw security video footage from each store Ingram robbed, which showed Ingram pointing the pistol and wearing distinct clothing that was also found on his Facebook page.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

“Mr. Ingram traumatized employees who were simply trying to do their jobs and customers who never thought someone would try to harm them while they were going about their daily lives," said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division. "This conviction is a testament to the dedication of our agents and our partners whose hard work on this ensured this individual is no longer a threat to the community.”

“The collaboration required to finalize a case of this magnitude is indicative of the dedication and commitment of our local law enforcement and the trust forged with members of our community”, said IMPD Chief Bryan Roach. “Our collective law enforcement efforts (local, state, and federal) will continue to focus on those individuals who perpetrate violence in our community for a better Indianapolis and Marion County for all.”

According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Linder and Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted the case for the government, Ingram faces a minimum of 82 years of imprisonment. His sentencing date has not yet been set.

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting those who commit violent crimes involving firearms. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 2.3.

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Updated November 13, 2018