An Indiana man has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison followed by supervised release for orchestrating a series of violent robberies that left one victim dead and others traumatized. Demetris Campbell, 29, of Indianapolis, was convicted by a federal jury in June 2024 on charges of conspiracy to commit commercial robbery, four counts of aiding commercial robbery, and three counts of aiding the brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Court records revealed that between July 19 and 28, 2020, Campbell used online marketplaces, including LetGo and OfferUp, to lure victims to an Indianapolis apartment complex under the pretense of completing sales transactions.
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Working alongside accomplice Angel Montano, Campbell executed a series of armed robberies targeting unsuspecting buyers.
- July 19, 2020: Campbell, using the username “Man with a Plan” on OfferUp, arranged to meet a 15-year-old boy and his father to sell an iPhone. When they arrived, Campbell and accomplices brandished pistols, stole their money and belongings, and pistol-whipped the teenager.
- July 20, 2020: A mother and her two young children were lured to the same location, where Montano threatened the mother with a pistol while her children were in the car. The robbers stole cash and phones.
- July 22, 2020: Using a LetGo account under the name “Simone,” Campbell lured another victim to the apartment complex. Montano threatened to shoot the victim and robbed her of $560 and her cell phone.
- July 28, 2020: In the final and deadliest robbery, Campbell, under the alias “Tony Reed,” arranged to meet a victim and his brother for the sale of two iPhones. When the brothers attempted to leave the location, Montano blocked their vehicle, fired into it, killing the victim’s brother, and seriously wounding the purchaser. Campbell was present and witnessed the shooting.
Indianapolis police arrested Campbell the following day after tracing his involvement through the fake usernames and accounts used in the crimes. Investigators determined that Campbell coordinated the robberies with Montano, sold the stolen phones, and split the profits.
Montano, who pleaded guilty in February 2023 to related charges, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
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U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers condemned Campbell’s actions, stating, “The man who was taken from his family by these vicious criminals should still be here today. His brother should never have been shot, and the other victims—including multiple children—should never have suffered the traumas inflicted on them. This lengthy sentence ensures that these violent offenders will never again menace our community.”
Myers also highlighted the dangers of online marketplaces and encouraged caution, suggesting safe exchange locations such as local police departments.
Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, reinforced the commitment of law enforcement to combating online criminal activity. “This string of crimes and the senseless death resulting from them are a reminder of the real-world consequences of digital crimes. No one using legitimate online services should ever have to fear for their safety.”
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