ST. THOMAS — After a two-day trial, yesterday a federal jury found Ron Delano Kuntz, 42, Keon Wilson, 22, and Shawn McIntosh, 24, guilty of Hobbs Act Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert, announced.
Kuntz, Wilson, and McIntosh each face up to 20 years for the Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy charges and an additional consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of seven years for the brandishing of a firearm charge.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Kuntz, Wilson, and McIntosh were members of a group that conspired to rob Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry store on St. Thomas on September 16, 2013. Wilson and McIntosh entered the store and Wilson brandished a firearm before fleeing the store with merchandise. The evidence presented at trial also showed that Kuntz purchased large hats to disguise those who went into the jewelry store, and Kuntz acted as a lookout during the robbery while in communication with other members of the conspiracy.
Three other members of the conspiracy, Shaquille Correa, 22, Jarmaine Ayala, 36, and Wahilli James, 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and related firearm offenses. A seventh defendant is pending trial. The six convicted defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing in May 2018.
This case was by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna A. Vlasova and Kim L. Chisholm.
Tags: 22, 24, 42, and Shawn McIntosh, jewelry store heist, Keon Wilson, Ron Delano Kuntz, st thomas
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