Charlotte man found guilty of armed robberies in 2023

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Charlotte man was found guilty of a string of robberies in 2023, according to the Department of Justice.

On September 10, 32-year-old Andrew Marquis Jackson was convicted of three counts of Hobbs Act robbery; three counts of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; two counts of possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and one count of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Evidence presented in the trial shows Jackson and his co-conspirators, Joshaun Jon’tavious Blount and Messiah Lynn Blair, robbed at least three businesses at gunpoint.

On January 24, 2023, the suspects entered a Dunkin’ Donuts on Beatties Ford Road and demanded cash from the clerk. Jackson then allegedly fired a shot into the ceiling, while Blair jumped over the counter and searched the back office for money. Jackson held an employee at gunpoint while taking money from the registers. According to documents, Blound was the getaway driver.

Three days later, on January 27, Jackson went into a 7-Eleven on Brookshire Blvd. He allegedly fired a shot into the ceiling and then pointed the gun at an employee while demanding to give him money from the register. Jackson took the money and ran from the store. Officials said Blount was inside the store pretending to be a customer during this robbery.

Five days after that, on February 1, Blount walked into the Family Dollar on Beatties Ford to survey how many people were inside. Records show Jackson and Blair then entered the store with firearms. They pointed their guns at the employee behind the counter and demanded money from the register and safe, which they received before fleeing the scene.

Jackson is in federal custody and faces up to 20 years in prison for each robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery charge, and a maximum sentence of life in prison for the remaining charges. According to the Department of Justice, because of his counts of conviction, Jackson must receive a mandatory sentence of at least 27 years in prison.

A sentencing date has not been set. Officials did not give an update on the charges or convictions of Blair and Blount.