Two Individuals Convicted for Armed Robberies in Southern California
Background
Two individuals, Diavion Deshawna Mouton and Rodney Darrin Maxwell Evans, have been convicted for their involvement in a series of violent armed robberies targeting pharmacies across Southern California.
The Robberies
The robberies took place over a six-week period in 2023, between August 9 and September 19, and targeted numerous Rite Aid and Walgreens stores in Long Beach, Bellflower, South Los Angeles, Pasadena, Whittier, Lakewood, Monterey Park, Burbank, and Glendale.
The Suspects
Mouton and Evans were allegedly joined by at least five other suspects in the string of robberies:
- Makai Yusef Sanders, 23, of Hathorne
- Kenyatta Kamar Jones, 23, of Hawthorne
- Adrian Timothy Bedran, 24, of Rosemead
- DeAngel Daryl Alvarez, 24, a.k.a. “Macc,” of the Athens area of South L.A.
- Kevin Antwon Gadley, 20, a.k.a. “One Shot,” of San Fernando
The Crimes
Mouton served as the driver while Sanders and Jones robbed the stores. During two robberies on August 14, 2023, at Rite Aid stores in Bellflower and Vermont Square, officials said multiple firearms were brandished and store employees were forced to open the store’s safe. On September 19, 2023, Mouton was involved in two armed robberies at a Walgreens store in Glendale and a Wingstop restaurant in Lynwood, with Sanders and Jones brandishing firearms and stealing around $1,776 from the businesses.
The Arrests and Sentencing
Days later, on September 26, 2023, detectives tracked down and arrested Sanders, Jones, and Mouton. Evidence was found during the arrest that tied them to the robberies. Evans and Mouton were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. They will face anywhere from 14 years to life in prison at a sentencing hearing on March 31, 2025.
Plea Deals
Sanders and Jones pleaded guilty on November 26 to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In their plea agreements, both admitted to committing 12 armed robberies of local businesses. They face anywhere between seven years to life in prison at their sentencing hearings scheduled on March 17, 2025.
Other Suspects
A fourth suspect, Adrian Timothy Bedran, 24, pleaded guilty on September 9 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. He remains free on a $50,000 bond and awaits sentencing on January 13, 2025. The fifth suspect, DeAngel Daryl Alvarez, 24, a.k.a. “Macc,” is believed to be a fugitive, and the sixth suspect, Kevin Antwon Gadley, 20, remains in state custody on unrelated charges.
Conclusion
Violent gun crime leaves emotional scars that last for years. Through the Operation Safe Cities initiative, my office is partnering with local law enforcement to prosecute more and more cases that hold accountable those who choose to harm our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many suspects were convicted in the armed robberies?
A: Two suspects, Diavion Deshawna Mouton and Rodney Darrin Maxwell Evans, were convicted.
Q: How many robberies were committed by the suspects?
A: The suspects committed at least 12 armed robberies of local businesses.
Q: What is the sentence for the convicted suspects?
A: Evans and Mouton face anywhere from 14 years to life in prison at a sentencing hearing on March 31, 2025. Sanders and Jones face anywhere between seven years to life in prison at their sentencing hearings scheduled on March 17, 2025.
Q: What is the Operation Safe Cities initiative?
A: The Operation Safe Cities initiative is a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement to prosecute violent gun crime and hold accountable those who choose to harm our communities.
