Kevin P. Davidson, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama
Kevin P. Davidson, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama
A Montgomery man has pleaded guilty in federal court for his involvement in a robbery that took place at a dry cleaning business earlier this year. Zedekiah Sykes, 58, admitted to his role in the March 10 incident during a court session on July 3, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.
Court records and Sykes's plea agreement reveal that on the day of the robbery, Sykes and three accomplices forced their way into the establishment on East South Street. The group broke the front door with a rock to enter.
Inside, they confronted the owner and compelled him into an office containing a locked safe. One individual displayed what appeared to be a handgun—later identified as a BB gun—and demanded access to the safe. When the owner hesitated due to difficulty recalling the combination, one of the assailants struck him in the eye, resulting in visible bruising. The group managed to open the safe and stole around $8,000.
After restraining the owner by tying his hands and feet with zip ties, they took his cell phone and car keys before fleeing in his vehicle.
Sykes has pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. His sentencing will be scheduled soon.
Spencer Thomas, 57, from Prattville, Alabama was arrested on May 27 for alleged involvement in this crime. An indictment serves only as an allegation until guilt is proven.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Montgomery Police Department (MPD), Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Metro Area Crime Suppression Task Force (MACS), with support from Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits is prosecuting this case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while safeguarding communities from violent crime perpetrators.
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