DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Western District of Tennessee

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Lawrence J. Laurenzi
, United States Attorney
Contact: Cherri Green

Girlfriend of Craigslist Robber Suspect Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison

Memphis, TN – A woman who made false statements during the purchase of a firearm has been sentenced to six months in federal prison. Lawrence J. Laurenzi, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on October 22, 2015, Ashley Jones, 27, purchased a Romarm Cugir 7.62 X 39mm caliber pistol from Guns & Ammo in Memphis, TN. At the time of purchase, Jones completed and signed a federal form indicating she was the actual buyer of the firearm and was not acquiring the firearm on behalf of another person. The defendant was charged with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 922-(a)(6).

On February 25, 2016, two victims were robbed at gunpoint of $16,000 cash in the area of Joslyn Street and Hillwood. The victims planned to use the cash to purchase a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck which had been listed on Craigslist. During the robbery, the victims were approached by three males armed with guns. The victims struggled with the robbers, closed the doors to their vehicle and sped away. One of the suspects fired several shots at the victims as they departed. The vehicle was hit by seven gunshots; however, there were no physical injuries to the victims.

At the crime scene, the investigating officers found nine shell casings and a Romarm Cugir that was left behind by the suspects. During the investigation, ATF learned Jones was the owner of the firearm.

On April 1, 2016, the defendant was arrested when an investigation of another Craigslist robbery led to her residence, where drugs and guns were recovered. During an interview with law enforcement, Jones stated that her boyfriend, Jackie Spears, gave her money to purchase the Romarm Cugir pistol. She also stated that Spears was present at the time of

purchase at the gun store and she subsequently gave him the firearm. According to Jones, Spears had given her money in the past to purchase firearms. It was later determined that at the time of purchase, Spears was a convicted felon. Spears is currently charged in state court for participating in one of the robberies.

On Friday, July 7, 2017, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Ashley Jones to six months in federal prison.

"This case shows that law enforcement officials throughout the Western District of Tennessee will work together to ensure that individuals participating in any criminal act with firearms will be brought to justice" said Lawrence Laurenzi, Acting U.S. Attorney, Western District of Tennessee.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Multi-Agency Gang Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

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Nashville Field Division