A federal jury has found Stephen Kennedy, 33, of Temple Hills, Maryland, guilty of multiple charges related to a conspiracy involving arson, robbery, and the use of explosives at convenience stores. The verdict follows a five-day trial in which Kennedy was convicted of conspiracy to commit arson, arson affecting interstate commerce, commercial robbery, using a firearm during a violent crime, carrying an explosive device during a felony, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was acquitted on one count of arson affecting interstate commerce.
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Prosecutors presented evidence that between January 2021 and January 2022, Kennedy and his co-conspirator, Donnell Kelly, targeted 7-Eleven stores. They set fires using explosive devices to disable security systems, later returning to steal cash from ATMs. In at least one instance, they also robbed the store’s cash register. The arson attacks resulted in losses of at least $90,000 to the ATM company. To obstruct the investigation, an accomplice filed false police reports about stolen license plates.
Kelly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson and was sentenced in October 2024 to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Kennedy faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison for arson-related charges and up to life in prison for using a destructive device during a crime of violence. His sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang.
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The case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through law enforcement coordination and community partnerships. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division led the investigation, with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and Prince George’s County police and fire departments.
Authorities encourage the public to report suspicious activity related to arson or violent crime. More information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and its community outreach efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-md.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors.
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