Knifepoint robber sentenced to 10 years in prison for 40 holdups

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Photo Source: FBI

NEW YORK CITY — Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, New York, Khalif House was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack, based on his guilty plea last December to conspiracy to commit armed robberies in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Counties.

According to court filings and statements made in court, beginning in February 2015, the defendant and co-conspirators committed or attempted to commit 40 separate armed robberies throughout Nassau, Queens and Suffolk Counties. The defendants exclusively targeted commercial locations, including Carvel, Dunkin Donuts, Subway and 7-Eleven stores. On almost every occasion, House robbed commercial stores wearing mismatched gloves, with his face covered, while brandishing a knife. During the April 26, 2016 robbery of a Carvel located in Commack, House chased down a fleeing employee, dragging her back into the store to prevent her escape. On February 24, 2015, House cut an employee of Evans Corner Store, located in Valley Stream, who attempted to disarm House during the robbery. House was ultimately apprehended hiding in a van on June 8, 2016 in Floral Park following a manhunt conducted by hundreds of members of law enforcement.

House’s arrest and conviction were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, the NCPD, SCPD and the NYPD. Ms. Rohde extended her grateful appreciation to all of the participating law enforcement agencies, including the Floral Park Police Department.

“The defendant Khalif House stole from dozens of businesses in a number of our communities, terrorizing hard-working employees by threatening their lives during his crime spree,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde. “Thanks to the tireless work and collaboration of our federal and local law enforcement partners, House has been held accountable for his crimes,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde.

“The suspect in this case not only terrified business owners fearing they’d be robbed next, but assaulted and terrorized employees during the crimes,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “He believed hiding his face, and covering his hands would protect his identity. But after dogged investigation by agents and detectives, his disguise didn’t prevent his getting caught. This case is a great example of law enforcement working together to stop a criminal and bring him to justice.”

“The investigation, arrest and conviction of defendant House is a testament to exceptional police and detective investigative techniques by all of the collaborating agencies and their members,” stated NCPD Acting Commissioner Ryder. “This robbery spree placed residents at risk, became one of our highest priorities and thus, this type of criminal conduct can never be accepted. A great job by all involved and I would like to thank all of the professionals who assisted with this extensive investigation.”

“Yet another dangerous criminal has been taken off our streets because of the collaboration and partnership between the Suffolk County Police Department and our fellow law enforcement agencies,” SCPD Commissioner Sini said. “I thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for successfully prosecuting this individual and continuing to keep our residents, our businesses and our communities safe.”

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