CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- A Steele, Mo., man pled guilty to charges stemming from robbing a Caruthersville, Mo., convenience store in 2016.
The United States Attorney's Office announced Wednesday that Ryan Sandson, age 40, pled guilty to one felony count of interference with commerce by robbery, one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sandson appeared before United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr.
Sandson admitted that he and Anthony Jackson made a plan to rob the Casey's General Store at Caruthersville on Sept. 21, 2016. Sandson provided the pistol and was to serve as the getaway driver, using his vehicle.
Jackson took the pistol inside the store, threatened the clerk and stole approximately $800. When Jackson exited the store, he could not find Sandson's car. Jackson walked away from the area, but was captured the next day. Sandson was apprehended on a parking lot near the Casey's store, waiting for Jackson to re-appear. Sandson illegally possessed the pistol as he had previously been convicted of the felonies of carjacking, aggravated robbery, and burglary.
Jackson pled guilty on April 25, 2017. His sentencing is set for Feb. 20. Sandson's sentencing has been set for May 15. Both Sandson and Jackson now face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Caruthersville Police Department, the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Office, the Hayti Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Keith D. Sorrell handled the prosecution for the government.