Department of Justice

Memphis, TN – Tavares Clayborn, 29, the last member of a five-man robbery crew, has been sentenced to 292 months in federal prison for robbery and for being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, between October 2016 and August 2017, these five individuals were responsible for at least seven robberies in Memphis and Germantown. To commit these robberies, the individuals learned the types of trucks that delivered cigarettes and studied their routes. During each robbery, one or more individual would enter the trailer of the truck, threaten and intimidate the drivers, and make a demand for cigarettes.

All five defendants pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy. Dantrel Pickett was sentenced to 35 months imprisonment for his role in a robbery that occurred on June 1, 2017. Ralph Conrad was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment for his role in robberies that occurred on October 17, 2016, and May 23, 2017. Tarius Martin was sentenced to 64 months imprisonment for his role in robberies that occurred on October 20, 2016, and December 22, 2016. Actiavious Cobb was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment for his role in a robbery that occurred on June 1, 2016, and his possession of a firearm during that robbery. Tavares Clayborn was sentenced to 292 months imprisonment for his role in robberies that occurred on November 23, 2016, June 1, 2017, and August 16, 2017, and an additional ammunition conviction that stemmed from an unrelated shooting in November 2016.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Robbery crews that victimize delivery drivers with violence and intimidation not only interrupt interstate commerce, but also harm individuals, business owners, and the community. Thanks to the great work of ATF and local law enforcement, this crew has been dismantled and held accountable, and an armed career criminal has been removed from our streets for 24 years."

ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson remarked, "ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence focuses on reducing violent crime and disrupting the shooting cycle that negatively impact our neighborhoods. The priority of protecting the public is evident with the partnerships of the Memphis and Germantown Police Departments as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms Explosives and Tobacco, Memphis Police Department and Germantown Police Department investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marques Young and Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government.