Three Indicted for Armed Robbery in Swansea of Cash Courier For Licensed Cannabis Companies

Three men have been indicted for the February 2024 armed robbery of a cash courier in Swansea, Mass. The defendants allegedly robbed the courier at gunpoint; zip-tied and pepper sprayed the victim; and then burned the stolen getaway vehicle.

Steven Madison, 38, of Bridgewater; Christopher White, 37, of Raynham; and Quentin McDonald, 25, of Brockton, were each indicted on one count of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery; one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; one count of arson of property used in or affecting interstate commerce; and one count of conspiracy. Madison and White were also indicted for brandishing a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The defendants were arrested and charged by criminal complaint in May 2024.

According to the charging documents, in the early morning hours of Feb. 19, 2024, two men were seen on video stealing a rental van from a U-Haul Moving & Storage location in Abington, Mass. Later in the day an armed courier who worked for a company that provides secure cash transportation services for licensed cannabis companies arrived at a bank in Swansea, Mass. carrying approximately $436,200 in cash for deposit. 

It is alleged that the U-Haul van pulled up alongside the courier and a masked man wearing a camouflaged vest exited the van and pointed a firearm at the courier before zip-tying the courier’s hands behind his back. It is further alleged that a second masked man exited the U-Haul van and quickly loaded the cash into the vehicle. After trying to disarm the courier, the two men allegedly forced the courier into the back seat of his own car, pepper sprayed him and closed the door. 

Surveillance footage showed that the courier managed to remove one hand from the zip-tie restraints while inside his vehicle, draw his firearm and fire four rounds in the direction of the U-Haul van as it fled the scene before calling 911.  

After leaving the bank, the men allegedly drove the van to a nearby location in Swansea where they met with a third man driving an SUV. It is alleged that the men then transferred the stolen cash into the getaway SUV, burned the U-Haul van and fled.

A subsequent investigation allegedly identified Madison, White and McDonald as the individuals involved in both the robbery and arson. It is alleged that during a search of Madison’s residence in Bridgewater, an estimated $5,000 or more in cash was located in various amounts throughout the house, as well as a Rolex watch appraised at $47,000, a sweatshirt similar to that worn by one of the robbers, a firearm, ammunition and cocaine. Following a search of White’s residence in Raynham, zip-ties, a black mask similar to that worn by one of the robbers, a firearm, ammunition and cocaine were recovered. 

According to the charging documents, both Madison and McDonald have prior state convictions for masked armed robbery, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and unlawfully possessing a firearm. White has prior state convictions for larceny and receiving stolen property. 

The charge of Hobbs Act robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of arson of property used in or affecting interstate commerce provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up with 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years and a $1 million fine. The charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, to be served consecutively to any sentence on the underlying offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Bridgewater, Brockton and Raynham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Major Crimes Unit and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Driscoll are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.