Albuquerque –
An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple robbery and firearms charges related to a crime spree in the summer of 2023.
Court records show that between July 11, 2023, and September 16, 2023, Demetrius Antonnie Bailey, 41, committed a series of armed robberies targeting retail stores in Albuquerque. Bailey and his accomplice planned and carried out robberies at Harbor Freight Tools, several Metro by T-Mobile locations, a T-Mobile store, a Verizon store, and a JC Penney. During these robberies, they threatened and overpowered store employees and security personnel to steal merchandise and cash. In each instance, they used either a replica firearm or a real handgun to intimidate store employees and security. The stolen goods included electronics, cellular phones, cash, and clothing, valued at tens of thousands of dollars.
Bailey pleaded guilty to 10 counts, including interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. His offenses also included knowingly participating in violent retail thefts. At sentencing, if the district court accepts the plea agreement, Bailey faces a prison term of no less than ten years and up to twenty-two years, followed by five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced the plea on March 26.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.
Demetrius Antonnie Bailey has a criminal history in New Mexico and purportedly, he has committed robbery in Mississippi. On the MDC booking page, you can see the warrants that he had when he was arrested. This information can be found here: https://viaintfacep2.bernco.gov/custodylist/Detail/21705453606177
When Bailey was arrested in Albuquerque in 2022, he was charged with being an “Out of State Fugitive.” Reportedly, he was wanted for Robbery in Mississippi. The charge of being an out of state fugitive was ultimately dismissed because New Mexico Parole Authorities was supposed to supervise him under the Interstate Compact Agreement. The Interstate Compact Agreement permits offenders to serve their probation sentence in another state.
I still don’t think the time fits the crime but 10 to 20 is still better than a state prosecution of 0 to 5.
Throw the book at him!