An East St. Louis man has been slapped with federal charges for purportedly sticking up a local convenience store at gunpoint. Vernelle E. Hines, 30, has been indicted with one count each of interference with commerce by robbery and of brandishing and discharging a firearm during a violent crime, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Hines, nabbed in Houston, Texas, allegedly decided to pull off the heist on Halloween night, 2023, at the Mega Supermarket in East St. Louis. Court papers claim he flashed a gun, let off some rounds, and made off with goods and cash from the terrified store clerks.
"Our partners in the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group work tirelessly to bring justice to victims of crime and to protect businesses in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe in a statement. Crowe emphasized the importance of a safe work environment free from the threat of violence and weapons.
The Illinois State Police Director, Brendan F. Kelly, also chimed in to credit his team's determination to swiftly apprehend such violent offenders. "This indictment does not happen without ISP’s commitment to bringing violent criminals to justice," Kelly stated. "ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents are dedicated to conducting extensive investigations in order to track down violent criminals and make communities safer."
Hines is staring down the barrel of a hefty sentence if convicted—up to 20 years for the robbery and a mandatory minimum of 10 years, which could extend to a life term, for the gun charge. While an indictment is a serious accusation, it is important to remember that it is not a conviction, and Hines remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The collar was the result of a concerted effort by multiple agencies including the ISP's Public Safety Enforcement Group, the U.S. Marshals Service in the Southern District of Illinois, and Homeland Security Investigations in Houston, Texas. The case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns.
