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.
-
Holiday prices rise as tariffs and inflation hit retailers and customers
The most wonderful time of the year could soon become the most expensive as retailers and customers alike deal with rising inflation, new tariffs and higher operating costs this year.
Monroe County cancels homeless camp eviction on county-owned land
Monroe County hoped to remove a homeless community between Switchyard Park and RCA Community Park before Christmas. Instead, the tents will remain for the foreseeable future.
Damien Center urges lawmakers to extend Indiana needle exchange programs
Each year, the Damien Center says they have about 5,000 visits from people in need of clean needles.
Brownsburg APC to vote on Hawks Landing subdivision amid resident concerns
Proposed development would bring more than 100 homes near Green Street and Acre Lane, with neighbors raising concerns about traffic and its proximity to Oinking Acres.
