A federal judge sentenced Rickey Martin, Jr., of Arkansas, to 210 months in prison after he admitted to robbing a motel owner at gunpoint in Maryville, Illinois, according to a March 16 announcement. Martin, age 36, pleaded guilty in November to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing and using a firearm during a crime of violence. After serving his prison term, Martin will be on supervised release for three years and must pay $1,440 in restitution.
The case highlights the consequences faced by individuals who commit violent crimes involving firearms. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said, “Gun violence will not be tolerated. All thieves lack honor, but armed robbers embody a special evil, because they use violence and intimidation to take what they have neither earned, created, nor deserved, from the innocent people who have.”
Court documents show that Martin robbed the motel owner in May 2023 by displaying a firearm loaded with an extended magazine before stealing the victim’s wallet and cash. Shortly after the incident, Martin used the stolen credit cards at both a gas station and a fast-food restaurant.
Maryville Police Chief Tony Manley said cooperation among law enforcement agencies was key to resolving the case: “The Maryville Police Department is grateful for the strong partnership between us and our local and federal law enforcement partners that helped bring this case to a successful conclusion. Investigations like this show that when agencies work together and share information, we can hold offenders accountable and protect our community.”
ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon commented on the significance of the sentence: “The sentence imposed in this case reflects the serious consequences violent offenders face when they commit violent crimes using firearms. ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in ensuring that those who commit acts of violence are held accountable.”
The investigation was led by ATF and the Maryville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuted the case.
