Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Rashaaud K. Garrett, 21, of Flint was sentenced on September 12, 2019 to 135 months (11¼ years) in federal prison following his conviction for interference with commerce by robbery and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced today. 

Schneider was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Detroit Field Division.

U.S. District Court Judge Matthew F. Leitman imposed sentence on Garrett, a convicted felon, following his guilty pleas to interference with commerce by robbery and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.  Leitman also sentenced Garrett to three years of federal supervised release following his term of incarceration.

According to court documents, in the days leading up to October 7, 2018, Garrett negotiated the sale of his car to the victim using the Facebook Marketplace internet application.  On October 7, Garrett picked the victim up in the car and travelled to Pemberton Drive in Flint so Garrett could remove his personal belongings from the car before the sale was finalized.  After parking the car, Garrett approached the victim who was seated in the back seat.  Garrett brandished his firearm and demanded the victims cash, marijuana, and property.  A brief scuffle ensued before the victim was able to escape.  The victim fled the scene on foot, leaving behind his cell phone and a quantity of marijuana.  As the victim ran from the scene, Garrett discharged his firearm twice.  Garrett was arrested several days later following another incident where he discharged his firearm.

 When the public and law enforcement work together, violent criminals are held responsible for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge James Deir.  “Rashaaud Garrett’s sentence should serve as a warning.  ATF will use every available resource to protect the public from those preying on innocent citizens.”

“Guns in the hands of violent convicted felons is a recipe for disaster.  Our office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to target violent criminals who use guns to achieve their selfish ends,” said Schneider.  Schneider advised the public to be cautious when buying and selling items to strangers they meet online noting that many local police departments allow these transactions to be conducted in their parking lots. 

This investigation was conducted by the ATF’s Flint Field Office, the Michigan State Police, and Flint Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony P. Vance.