Three members of the Choppa City crew have been convicted in connection with a series of brazen, armed robberies targeting Brinks armored trucks in Washington, D.C., with their actions leading to the theft of over $1.2 million. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office, William Brock, 33, Anthony Antwon McNair, 36, and Erin Sheffey, 29, faced a jury that found them guilty of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, among other charges. Sentencing is set for January 15, 2024, as announced by U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth.
The criminal offenses are tied to three specific incidents occurring on October 6 and December 8 of 2021, and March 2, 2022. The defendants used firearms to confront and assault Brinks drivers, securing large sums of money in the process. McNair and Brock were also convicted of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, known as Hobbs Act Robbery, bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm during these crimes of violence, the justice department reported.
Per the evidence presented at trial, Brock meticulously planned the robberies, studying the delivery schedules to coordinate their attacks. The group's reckless display of firepower on busy city streets not only endangered the Brinks employees but also the public at large. Court documents reveal the use of assault rifles and pistols; in two instances, the physical assault continued even after the Brinks employees had surrendered their delivery bags, leading to lasting injuries for the victims.
Following the robberies, the defendants took to social media to flaunt their ill-gotten gains, purchasing luxury items and vehicles with the stolen cash. Within days of one heist, Brock, for instance, spent more than $36,000 in cash on vehicles. A co-conspirator testified against the trio, further solidifying the prosecution's case, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. This investigation brought together the efforts of the FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department and was carried through by Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys who worked on the prosecution team.
