Man Charged in Criminal Complaint with Griffith Robbery

HAMMOND- Ryan Smith, 56, was charged in a criminal complaint with the September 22, 2019 robbery, affecting interstate commerce, of Family Dollar in Griffith, Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Prosecuting violent crime is one of my top priorities.   My office, along with our law enforcement partners, including the FBI, have a strong and continuing commitment to investigate and prosecute acts of violence such as those alleged in today’s charges.”

The criminal complaint alleges that Smith entered the Family Dollar store located on Ridge Road in Griffith, Indiana, on September 22, 2019.  Smith is alleged to have given a note to an employee stating that he was committing a robbery.  Smith is further alleged to have displayed a large knife and held it against an employee while ordering the employee to open a cash register from which he stole approximately $190 in cash.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Gang Response Investigative Team and Griffith Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick.