A spate of armed robberies that terrorized Metro Detroit Walgreens employees has come to a close as the criminal behind the spree, Mario Keeream Jackson, 35, faces 28 years behind bars. FOX 2 reported that the Detroit native was sentenced this week for multiple drugstore robberies across Oak Park, Dearborn Heights, Royal Oak, and Warren, in addition to an attempted robbery in Southfield.
While on probation, Jackson employed a unique method to enter the establishments, scaling coolers to reach the safes located at the back. He committed four successful robberies before being apprehended in May 2019 during a police search at his girlfriend's Detroit residence, where authorities recovered over $18,000, more than 5,000 prescription opioid pills, and the gun used, in the crimes.
Jackson's sentence also reflects his past, as he previously held convictions for weapons and drug charges. "This defendant wreaked havoc in our community for more than five months, committing a string of armed robberies against innocent victims," said U.S. Attorney Ison, according to the announcement from the Eastern District of Michigan. The Department of Justice emphasizes this sentencing underscores their commitment to mitigating such violence from the community.
Totaling nine, employees were held at gunpoint throughout the ordeal. Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, thanked the Oakland County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force and their partners for their collaborative efforts in this case. "This sentence serves as a warning to violent criminals and demonstrates the FBI’s and its law enforcement partners’ dedication to ensuring safer communities," Gibson told the Eastern District of Michigan.
The investigation and subsequent prosecution were part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. Combining local law enforcement and community stakeholders, PSN targets the most pressing violent crime issues and develops comprehensive solutions to address them, focusing on the most violent offenders while also supporting prevention and reentry programs.
