LAX Leader

Four defendants from Los Angeles County were arrested today on a nine-count indictment charging them with committing armed robberies of several businesses, mostly 7-Eleven stores in South Los Angeles, during a nearly two-month crime spree late last year. They allegedly posted photographs on Instagram of themselves holding stolen cash.

The indictment, returned July 10 and unsealed today, charges the following defendants with one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act):

- Charles Christopher, 24, of Compton;

- D’Angelo Spencer, 26, of South Los Angeles;

- Jordan Leonard, 25, of Torrance; and

- Tazjar Rouse, 22, of Hollywood.

The defendants have also been charged with various counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Christopher and Leonard were arraigned today in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles and were ordered jailed without bond. They pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and a September 17 trial was scheduled. Rouse made his initial appearance today in federal court in Kansas City, Missouri. Spencer is expected to be arraigned in federal court in Los Angeles tomorrow.

“Violent gun crime leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars for victims,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Anyone thinking that violent robberies are a good way to make money should take note that there will be consequences for your actions.”

According to the indictment, from November 4, 2023, to December 24, 2023, the defendants committed a series of armed robberies mostly targeting 7-Eleven stores in South Los Angeles. One victimized store was a CVS in Hollywood. The defendants traveled to the targeted stores in a BMW vehicle, jumped over counters to take money from cash registers and placed it into a black Nike bag. One defendant—usually either Christopher or Leonard—allegedly pointed a firearm at an employee or customer demanding their cellphone or wallet.

On November 28, 2023, following the robbery of a South Los Angeles 7-Eleven store earlier that day, Leonard posted a photograph on Instagram with stacks of cash captioned “love my bros we go hit every time” while tagging the Instagram accounts of Christopher and Spencer.

In total, the defendants allegedly netted approximately $7,617 during their crime spree.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

If convicted on all counts related to the Hobbs Act violations alone could lead to up to twenty years per count plus additional mandatory minimums related specifically tied each instance where firearms brandished result maximum possible life sentences terms prison respectively applicable instances such convictions prove warranted final judicial determination merits case law procedural fairness upheld through due process protections afforded under constitutional guarantees rights accused individuals facing criminal prosecution context U.S legal system broader societal implications concerning justice equity within framework public safety enforcement initiatives operational scope authorities tasked ensuring compliance rule adherence principles underpinning governance community welfare collective security concerns integral part overarching mandate entrusted agencies responsible maintaining order safeguarding citizenry rights liberties harmonious coexistence lawful conduct civic engagement endeavors

Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities emphasizing prosecuting significant drivers violent crimes regionally targeting small number particularly individuals posing greatest threat societal stability focused approach aims increasing arrests prosecutions convictions recidivists engaged dangerous behaviors enhancing overall public safety reducing illicit gun activities preventing prohibited persons firearm possession dismantling organized robbery crews minimizing retail establishment losses preserving commercial viability contributing economic vitality local communities promoting secure environments conducive thriving social interactions mutual respect shared values underpinning democratic institutions foundational pillars governance frameworks inclusive equitable just societies envisioned future generations aspire achieving progress prosperity common good

The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Mirelle N. Raza from General Crimes Section prosecuting case ensuring thorough review evidence presentation facts adherence procedural guidelines safeguarding integrity judicial process pursuit justice equitable resolution parties involved reflective principles fairness accountability transparency guiding tenets American legal tradition commitment upholding rule law protection individual rights promotion collective welfare society