Hoosier State Today

Demetris Campbell, a 29-year-old from Indianapolis, has been sentenced to fifty years in federal prison. This sentence follows his convictions for commercial robbery conspiracy, four counts of aiding commercial robbery, and three counts of aiding the brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The conviction was handed down by a federal jury in June 2024.

The court documents and trial evidence revealed that between July 19 and 28, 2020, Campbell orchestrated at least four armed robberies using online marketplaces LetGo and OfferUp. He lured victims to an apartment complex under false pretenses with the intent to rob them. Angel Montano was among those who conspired with Campbell.

On July 19, 2020, Campbell used an OfferUp account named “Man with a Plan” to deceive a fifteen-year-old boy and his father into meeting him for an iPhone purchase. Upon their arrival at the arranged location in Indianapolis, they were approached by Campbell and Montano who brandished pistols. The robbers assaulted the teenager and stole cash, wallets, and Nike Air Jordan shoes.

The following day saw another incident where Campbell used the same OfferUp account to lure a mother with her two children. Montano threatened them with a pistol before stealing their iPhones and cash.

Two days later on July 22, using a LetGo account under "Simone," Campbell lured another victim intending to buy an iPhone. Montano confronted her with a gun demanding money which she surrendered along with her Samsung phone.

Between July 21-28, another potential buyer engaged in discussions through an account named “Tony Reed” about purchasing two iPhones for $1400. On meeting day at Adams and 21st Street in Indianapolis on July 28th, Montano blocked their car when they tried to leave after feeling uneasy about the situation. He then fired into their vehicle killing one brother while injuring another; Campbell witnessed this act.

Campbell was arrested by IMPD officers on July 29 after linking him through fake usernames used during these robberies. It was found he coordinated these acts alongside Montano before selling stolen items for profit sharing.

In February 2023 Angel Montano received forty years imprisonment post pleading guilty to similar charges including brandishing firearms during violent crimes.

U.S Attorney Zachary A Myers expressed regret over lives affected stating: “The man who was taken from his family by these vicious criminals should still be here today." Myers advised caution when engaging in online transactions recommending safe meeting places like local police departments' properties which could potentially prevent such tragic outcomes again thanking FBI U.S Marshals IMPD prosecutors involved ensuring justice prevailed against offenders endangering community safety via digital platforms remarking: "For years violent criminals have been using online marketplaces like OfferUp LetGo lure victims armed robberies resulting multiple shootings deaths."

Herbert J Stapleton Special Agent Charge FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office commented: “This lengthy sentence sends clear message any form violence exploitation online marketplaces will not tolerated." Emphasizing collaboration between law enforcement agencies aimed holding accountable those exploiting digital spaces criminal activities reminding public legitimate users should never fear safety.”

Investigations were led by Federal Bureau Investigation U.S Marshals Service IMPD case presided over Chief U S District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt U S Attorney Myers acknowledged Assistant Attorneys Tiffany J Preston Carolyn A Haney prosecution team supported Victim Witness Coordinators Paralegal Specialist trial efforts securing justice outcome ensuring community remains protected future threats posed through misuse technology platforms.”