West Saint Paul Man Sentenced To More Than Eight Years For Armed Robberies Of Several Twin Cities Restaurants And Gas Stations

 United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of DELFONZO DENELL WALLACE, 30, to 97 months in prison. WALLACE, who pleaded guilty on February 27, 2020, to eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery, known as the Hobbs Act, was sentenced yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Ann Montgomery in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As part of the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, WALLACE agreed, under the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, to make restitution to these businesses, as well as to three other business that were robbed between April and September 2019.

“The defendant was responsible for a string of robberies throughout the metro that terrorized employees, business owners, and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. “This case is another example of Minnesota's strong law enforcement partnerships and our commitment to the fight against violent crime.”  

"Solving crime like this violent robbery spree is and always will be a top priority for the FBI," said Michael Paul, acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Minneapolis field office. "The lengthy sentence for this defendant should remind those who violently prey on our communities that the FBI and law enforcement partners will not tolerate dangerous behavior and violent perpetrators will be brought to justice."

"Our thoughts are with the victims today as this sentencing is made," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the St. Paul Field Division. "Armed robbery is a terrifying experience that no one should ever have to go through. Our hope is that this sentencing can bring some healing to those affected by these criminal acts. We're lucky to work with great law enforcement partners who did a tremendous job in investigating these violent crimes."

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between June 14, 2019, and October 10, 2019, WALLACE, while armed with a dangerous weapon that appeared to be a firearm, robbed, in violation of the Hobbs Act, eight separate Twin Cities businesses that were engaged in interstate commerce, including Starbucks, Speedway, Wendy’s, Shuang Hur Supermarket, McDonald’s, and Spitz restaurant. During the robberies, WALLACE used actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury against victim employees to steal over $20,000 cash belonging to the businesses and employees.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, ATF, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Saint Paul Police Department, the Saint Louis Park Police Department, and the West Saint Paul Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

DELFONZO DENELL WALLACE, 30

West St. Paul, Minn.

Convicted:

• Interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 8 counts

Sentenced:

• 97 months in prison
• Restitution of $20,868.23 to businesses for 11 robberies
• 3 years of supervised release