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.
-
Indiana migration balanced for second year in a row
For the second year in a row, the number of people moving into and out of Indiana is greater than the number of people leaving.
Future of I-65, I-70: INDOT concludes ProPEL Indy study
I-65 and I-70 are two of the main ways to get in and around the Indy metro. The city's transportation network is due for a major revamp in the coming years.
IMPD specialized teams recover nearly 2,000 guns in 2025
Newly released numbers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department highlight the significant impact of specialized teams working to reduce violent crime across the Circle City.
Carmel Police roll out new tech to protect officers during traffic stops
The Carmel police are introducing new technology to protect officers during traffic stops, following a weekend when three Indiana State Police vehicles were struck while parked on the roadside.
