Minneapolis Man Indicted for Robbing Bank, Four Stores

MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 29–year–old Minneapolis man was indicted in connection with a series of armed robberies at various businesses, including a US Bank. Donte McKinley Hollister was charged with one count of armed bank robbery and four counts of interference with commerce by robbery, pursuant to the Hobbs Act.

The indictment alleges that on October 17, 2011, Hollister stole approximately $1,890 from the US Bank located at 2338 Central Avenue in Minneapolis. During the robbery, Hollister brandished a handgun. In addition, the indictment alleges that Hollister stole approximately $300 from the Way to Go Sports store in Golden Valley on September 26, 2011; approximately $285 from the Wine Styles store in Medina on September 27, 2011; attempted to steal cash from the Mattress Giant store in Roseville on October 7, 2011; and attempted to steal cash from the Second Wind Exercise Equipment store in St. Louis Park on October 13, 2011. In each of these instances Hollister allegedly brandished a firearm to threaten store employees. He was arrested on October 17 in connection to the September 26 robbery.

If convicted, Hollister faces a potential maximum penalty of 25 years in prison for bank robbery and 20 years on each count of violating the Hobbs Act. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, allows federal prosecutors to prosecute violent habitual criminals who commit armed robbery in places of business that involve interstate commerce. Federal prosecution of these cases is sometimes beneficial since the penalties are often tougher than under state law. Furthermore, because the federal system has no parole, those who receive federal sentences serve virtually the entire prison term imposed.

This case is the result of an investigation by United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hennepin County Violent Offenders Task Force, and the police departments of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Medina, Roseville and St. Louis Park. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin S. Ueland.