William Hunter, a 28-year-old man from D.C., has been handed a 19-year prison sentence for his role in the gun-point robberies of six South Asian-owned jewelry stores across the East Coast. Hunter, also known as "Ill Will," pleaded guilty in September to the robberies, which collectively netted millions in cash and gold. The U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper also ordered Hunter to serve 48 months of supervised release following his prison term, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The heists, orchestrated over an 18-month period starting in January 2022, were marked by a deliberate and escalating show of force. Hunter and his crew, believed to be led by Trevor Wright, aka rapper "Taliban Glizzy," staged the robberies with precision and a common pattern. According to official statements from the U.S. Department of Justice, they would often reconnoiter the stores ahead of time, arriving in vehicles bearing stolen tags to avoid detection. Their methods included shattering entryways with sledgehammers and creating a chaotic environment to quickly secure compliance and loot the establishment.
The impact of these crimes extended beyond the immediate financial loss, instilling a climate of fear among the targeted South Asian community. The crew's method of operation typically included an armed takeover of the premises before smashing glass display cases and filling bags with high-purity gold jewelry. Hunter and the crew would then melt the gold into bars to convert their stolen goods into cash, sometimes boasting about their proceeds on social media platforms.
In March of the following year, Hunter faced apprehension with a loaded .40 caliber Glock and other firearm-related items in his possession. His arrest shed light on a 15-member criminal enterprise, leading to further indictments and the seizure of firearms and narcotics. A photo introduced into evidence showcased the aftermath of a robbery at Princess Diamonds, a stark example of the boldness with which the group operated. It featured Hunter with a tray of jewelry in one hand and a gun in the other. Additional images from his Instagram account, dated October and November 2022, depicted Hunter with cash, a firearm, and luxury items.
The case was investigated by agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Metropolitan Police Department, and FBI Newark and Washington Field Offices, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Andrea Duvall. Charges spanned from Hobbs Act robbery to money laundering, encompassing a web of criminal acts linked to the crew's widespread activities.
