Judge Sentenced Robbery Crew Member to Prison
Ashley Gause received 140 months in federal prison for a multi-state robbery spree targeting stores.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Property Crime
A federal judge sentenced Ashley Gause to 140 months in prison for her role in a robbery crew that targeted pharmacies and cellphone stores. The organization stole prescription drugs and electronics valued at $300,000 across four states.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process against a group that used firearms to intimidate victims while operating in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. The court also ordered three years of supervised release for Gause following her prison term.
Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued the 140-month sentence following a jury conviction on Oct. 28, 2025. This follows previous sentencing for four other members of the robbery crew who received between 57 and 192 months in prison.
The players
Ashley Gause
She is a convicted member of a robbery crew who participated in a series of pharmacy and cellphone store heists.
Amy Berman Jackson
She is a United States District Judge who presided over the sentencing proceedings.
D'Marrell Mitchell
He was a member of the same robbery crew and received a 192-month prison sentence.
Floyd Neal
He was sentenced to 157 months in prison for his involvement in the multi-state criminal operation.
Ashawntea Henderson
She received a 57-month prison sentence for her role within the robbery group.
The details
The criminal enterprise operated from May 2020 through May 2021, focusing on obtaining goods for resale in the District of Columbia. During the robberies, crew members pointed firearms at victims to force compliance.
Timeline
May 9, 2020: The robbery spree began.
June 9, 2020: The crew robbed a T-Mobile store in College Park, Maryland.
Nov. 6, 2020: A T-Mobile in Southeast Washington D.C. was targeted.
May 5, 2021: Gause possessed a photo of a handgun on her cellphone.
May 26, 2021: The robbery spree concluded.
Legal Context
This case reflects the federal approach to prosecuting organized robbery rings that traverse state lines and use firearms. The sentencing follows a pattern established by the prosecution of mid-Atlantic interstate robbery rings, where federal courts consolidate charges across state lines.
The prosecution of this crew aims to improve public safety for retail employees and pharmacy staff in the District and surrounding states. The sentencing reinforces the legal consequences for using firearms during the commission of commercial robberies.
The takeaway
Organized retail theft rings often face stiff federal penalties when crimes cross state boundaries. Victims and business owners should prioritize enhanced security measures when operating in regions targeted by repeat offenders.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings involving organized theft, visit the Property Crime section.
