INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison this week after pleading guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Demetrius Banks, 25, was sentenced for using online dating app Grindr in May 2021 to arrange meeting men and robbing them.
According to court documents, between May 15, 2021, and May 21, 2021, Banks used Grindr, to arrange to meet four different men at their residences.
Court documents allege Banks contacted Victim 1 on May 15, 2021, through Grindr and arranged to meet Victim 1 at his apartment in Indianapolis.
During the visit Banks brandished a semiautomatic pistol and used the victim’s cell phone to send himself $500 via CashApp.
Banks also stole a television, two laptops, an iWatch, an iPad and approximately 30 pieces of jewelry.
Banks committed very similar robberies of three additional victims.
On May 16, 2021, Banks met his third victim at the victim’s residence.
Banks wore a mask over the lower portion of his face and brandished a pistol. Banks entered Victim 3’s home, demanded money from him and led him to the bedroom at gunpoint.
A struggle over the firearm ensued and during the fight, the pistol discharged twice. One round struck the wall and the other hit Victim 3’s television, according to court documents.
Law enforcement officers identified Banks as the robbery through investigation.
According to court documents, Banks was arrested and transported to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for questioning. Banks admitted to using Grindr to meet Victims 1-4. Banks initially denied he committed the robberies, but later admitted to committing all four.
-
La Porte County deputy shot in NW Indiana makes progress, reunites with K-9
La Porte County deputy Jon Samuelson is making 'significant strides' in recovery after he was shot at a Michigan City hospital, the sheriff's office said. He also reunited with his K-9, Bosco.
Fans can give input on mural design for Fever performance center
The Indy Arts Council is holding a survey to help decide which mural will be painted on the new Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center.
Indy teen faces charges after police chase, shooting on near south side
A 17-year-old is facing charges as an adult after his alleged involvement in a police chase and shooting incident that drew 76 officers to Indy's south side last week.
Famous civil rights attorney takes on Fort Wayne Tim Hortons death case
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who handled high-profile cases such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, has been hired by the family of a woman who died after a fight at a Fort Wayne Tim Horton's.
