A California couple was a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, getting married in Las Vegas while in the midst of committing a series of armed robberies.
Federal prosecutors announced that Antonio Lamar Bland, 36, and Abigail Luckey, 49, were indicted on charges related to several armed robberies. Also indicted was Ronnie Tucker, 23. All three are residents of California.
The three allegedly robbed smoke shops, donut shops, and convenience stores in Los Angeles and Orange counties during a two-week crime spree last year, according to prosecutors. Luckey usually served as the getaway driver while Bland and Tucker entered and robbed the businesses.
"Any time someone takes a gun into a place of business to rob it, victims are traumatized and there is a potential for tragic consequences," said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. "If convicted, these individuals face significant prison time. Moreover, the FBI and our partners remain committed to pooling resources, intelligence, and skills that allow us to remain focused on one goal: keeping our communities safe."
Prosecutors allege that from January 29, 2024, to February 14, 2024, Bland, Tucker, and Luckey robbed 12 businesses in Los Angeles and Orange counties: one smoke shop in Tustin, nine 7-Eleven stores in North Hollywood, Burbank, Torrance, Van Nuys, Long Beach, Glendale, and Pasadena, and two donut shops in Los Angeles and Downey.
In the midst of this crime spree, Bland and Luckey drove to Las Vegas and were legally married. When they returned to Southern California the newlyweds resumed the crime spree, allegedly committing another robbery on Feb. 8, 2024.
"Members of the community should not have to think about being subjected to violence when they walk into a convenience store or business. The defendants' pattern of violent conduct described in the indictment put innocent lives at risk," said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. "Violent crime is a top priority for the US Attorney's Office, and we are grateful for the teamwork of federal law enforcement and our local police departments to bring charges against these defendants."
The crime spree ended after an attempted robbery at a donut shop on Feb. 14.
Bland and Tucker entered the donut shot and yelled, "Open the cash register!" Prosecutors say that an employee saw the men had a gun and, fearing for his safety, ran to the rear kitchen area. Bland and Tucker pursued the man, who was able to retrieve his own gun and fire a shot at the men.
Bland and Tucker fled the shop. A police officer saw the attempted robbery and pulled the car over with Bland, Tucker and Luckey inside. Police also found a gun inside the car, prosecutors said.
According to federal prosecutors, if convicted of all charges, Bland, Tucker and Luckey face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each robbery-related count.
Additionally, Bland and Tucker face a statutory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison for each count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Bland also faces up to 15 years in federal prison for each count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
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