A Philadelphia man who led a crew in a series of armed robberies targeting cell phone stores across the region, including one in Levittown, was sentenced Wednesday, according to U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Jacqueline Romero.
Advertisements
Lawrence “Trizzy” McKay, 37, received the sentence of 32 years in federal prison from U.S. District Court Judge Gerald McHugh, who also ordered him to serve five years of supervised release and pay more than $100,000 in restitution to victims for medical expenses and other losses.
McKay pleaded guilty in February 2023 to six counts of robbery and two counts of using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.
McKay and his accomplices terrorized employees at gunpoint during the robberies, which happened in February 2021 in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, and at the Boost Mobile store on Veterans Highway (Route 413) in Bristol Township, according to law enforcement.
Advertisements
The robbers often forced employees into back rooms, sometimes tying them up. McKay shot one employee in the stomach, and a co-defendant, Brenton “Mike” Holmes, shot another in the leg in Philadelphia. Both victims survived.
Holmes was sentenced in May 2023 to 30 years in prison for his role in five of the robberies.
Advertisements
Dana Toby, who participated in two robberies, received a 15-year sentence in September 2023.
Demon McNeil and Dashonna Hoskins, who were each involved in one robbery, were sentenced to eight years in June 2024 and just over four years in May 2024.
“Lawrence McKay and his crew were a crime spree unto themselves, racking up six armed robberies in less than three weeks,” said Romero. “In these holdups, they made store employees fear for their lives, threatening them at gunpoint, bringing them into back rooms, tying some up, and even shooting two victims. It was imperative to get McKay off the street before anyone else was harmed, or worse, at his behest. This sentence keeps him behind bars for decades and holds him accountable for the crimes he led. My office and our partners are committed to making our communities safer by focusing on the most violent offenders and bringing them to justice.”
Advertisements
FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs said the “brazen acts” instilled fear in the community.
“The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to combat violent crime, protect our city, and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
Advertisements
The FBI and Philadelphia Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from police departments in Lower Merion Township, Bristol Township, Norristown, and Warminster Township.
Advertisement
Convenient Legal Access to High Quality Cannabis Just A Few Minutes Away!
Canna Remedies: Educate Curate Elevate
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
