Indianapolis Man Sentenced on Robbery Charges

Robbed a Marsh Supermarket and 10 Speedway Gas Stations

INDIANAPOLIS –United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that an Indianapolis man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to 22 counts related to recent robberies in the Indianapolis area. Donnell E. Gilder, 23, was sentenced to 420 months (35 years) by U. S. District Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson for his role in robbing a Marsh Grocery store and 10 Speedway gas stations.

"Protecting our neighborhoods from violent crime is a top priority in my office," said Minkler. "Mr. Gilder’s reign of terror at Indianapolis businesses is over and he will have 35 years in federal prison to think about his actions."

Between February 29, 2016, and April 27, 2016, Gilder robbed 10 Speedway Gas Stations and a Marsh Supermarket on the Northeast side of Indianapolis. On two occasions, he discharged a handgun during the robbery.

According to court documents, on April 16, 2016, Gilder entered the Speedway station at 5415 E. 65th Street and discharged a round from his handgun into the ceiling. On April 27, 2016, at approximately 3:45am, Gilder approached the Speedway gas station located at 5900 E. 71st Street. The clerk, who was outside the building on a break saw Gilder approach dressed in all black. She quickly ran back into the store and locked the front door. Gilder discharged a handgun at the door, shattering the glass and narrowly missing the clerk.

Gilder was seen driving a stolen vehicle near the robbery scene a short time later when IMPD officers attempted to stop him, Gilder jumped from the vehicle while it was still in gear. The stolen vehicle continued rolling and struck the officer’s patrol car. Officers continued to chase Gilder and apprehended him a few blocks away. Officers recovered a loaded 9mm handgun from the pursuit route.

This case was investigated by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.

"IMPD continues to rely on the relationships that we have with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to assist in reducing violence in our community," said IMPD Chief Bryan Roach. "On a daily basis, our officers and detectives work to protect the citizens of Indianapolis and Marion County and we appreciate and look forward to our continued collaboration in reducing crime in our neighborhoods."

"This individual demonstrated his disregard for human life through his use of a firearm while committing numerous robberies," stated Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge for ATF’s Columbus Field Division. "His actions merit the sentence handed down, and ATF will continue to work with the IMPD, the United States Attorney’s Office, and all of our law enforcement partners, to ensure that those who threaten our communities face the consequences of their actions."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Preston prosecuted this case for the government.