U.S. Department of Justice Sheldon J. (Shelly) Sperling
Sheldon.Sperling@usdoj.gov
United States Attorney
Eastern District of Oklahoma
(918)684-5100
NEWS RELEASE
For Release: December 12, 2007
For Further Information Contact: Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney or
Christopher J. Wilson, Assistant United States Attorney
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that LARRY LAMAR WHITE, age 19, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Possession, Carry and Brandishing of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 2.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. WHITE and co-defendant ANDRON DYSHAUN THOMPSON a/k/a ANDRON DYSHAUN POSEY were indicted in November, 2007,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The federal charging documents reflect that, o n June 29, 2007, at approximately 9:45 p.m., WHITE and co-defendant THOMPSON crawled through the drive-thru window at the Grandy’s Restaurant in Ardmore, Oklahoma,” reported U.S. Attorney Sperling. “They were wearing bandannas to cover their faces and hooded jackets. The Ardmore Police responded and upon arrival saw WHITE and THOMPSON removing money from the cash registers . Officers also saw that the defendants had used duct tape to bind the hands and feet of the manager, a teenage employee and three minor children (ages 5, 7 and 10) who were at the restaurant at the time of the robbery. Duct tape was also used to cover the mouths of the victims.”
“Officers also saw THOMPSON point a pistol at the manager. The defendants surrendered to police and were apprehended outside the restaurant. A Ruger .45 caliber pistol was found inside the restaurant and money was found on each defendant,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“At the plea hearing today, the prosecutor and defense lawyer predicted an estimated sentence of 84 months.”
“The defendant plead guilty. He acknowledged that he thoroughly consulted with his attorney. He acknowledged and waived his constitutional rights to trial, cross-examine witnesses, compel the attendance of witnesses and to jury trial,” reported U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“Defendant advised that the previous state matter was separate from this case and prosecution. Defendant denied having been forced or threatened to enter the plea. Defendant said he was prepared to enter his plea,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperliing.
“A written plea agreement, signed by the defendant and his attorney and Christopher J. Wilson, was summarized. The government agreed to dismiss Count One and file a third point motion for acceptance of responsibility. Defendant waived his appellate and post conviction relief rights, unless the Court departs upward from the applicable guidelines. The plea agreement was ordered filed of record. Defendant expressed satisfaction with the counsel of his attorney and acknowledged his lawyer had done all he could to counsel and assist him,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“Defendant signed written waiver of jury trial. Then defendant said, ‘On June 29, myself and THOMPSON robbed Grandy’s. During the robbery, a firearm was brandished.’ Defendant also conceded that Grandy’s is a business in interstate commerce and their actions affected interstate commerce. Counsel so stipulated and agreed,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“Defendant was found mentally competent at the time of the offense. The Court also found that he understood the nature, purpose and consequences of his plea. The Court found the factual basis sufficient and procedurally sound.”
“The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted WHITE’s guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. The defendant remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service, pending sentencing.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson represented the government.”
“The United States District Court Clerk entered an order today setting co-defendant THOMPSON for plea hearing on Monday December 17, 2007. United States Magistrate Judge Steven P. Shreder is slated to preside over the proceedings..”