A street gang member who led and organized an armed robbery was sentenced in federal court today to 96 months in prison after pleading guilty in April to one count of Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery.
Trenelle Cannon, a member of the O’Farrell Park Criminal Street Gang, admitted that he and other individuals agreed to rob the Alpha and Omega Jewelry Store in National City at gunpoint as per his plea agreement. Other individuals entered the store, pointed a gun at the store clerk, smashed the jewelry cases open, and placed jewelry into bags before fleeing the store with the stolen property.
While Cannon never entered the store, he admitted to having a leading and organizing role in the conspiracy. His leadership included instructing other individuals on what materials to obtain for the armed robbery and instructing them on what to do during the robbery. Cannon also provided the gun used and actively worked to sell the stolen merchandise afterwards.
“We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute not only those who commit the violent crimes, but those who organize, aid, and support the crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grossman thanked the prosecution team and FBI for their excellent work on this case.
“Mr. Cannon didn’t just commit this crime, he organized and planned it for his accomplices to help carry out,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. The VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood.
Cannon's sentence serves as a warning to organizers and supporters of such criminal activities. Justice prevails as law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to find, investigate and prosecute those involved in organized crime.
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