11 year federal sentence for man who terrorized cabbies and rideshare drivers in a 4-day robbery spree

Chicago Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery Spree

A 28-year-old man who terrorized Chicago taxi and rideshare drivers during a four-day armed robbery spree has been sentenced to eleven years in federal prison.

Anthony Reed allegedly lured two taxi drivers and an Uber driver to the same South Side block in February 2022, then threatened to kill them if they did not hand over their belongings. In one case, prosecutors said, Reed pistol-whipped a cabbie in the head when he hesitated.

Reed pleaded guilty earlier this year to three counts of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. handed down the 11-year sentence.

According to a federal sentencing memorandum, Reed’s robbery spree began on February 4, 2022, when he summoned a Flash Cab driver to the 7300 block of South Seeley Avenue. After climbing into the taxi, Reed aimed a gun equipped with a laser at the driver’s head and asked, “Where the money at, before I kill you?”

When the driver did not immediately comply, Reed struck him with the gun, leaving a bump on his head and hair loss that required medical treatment.

Prosecutors said Reed continued to ask over and over again, “Where your money at? Where your money at before I kill you?” He eventually fled with the victim’s tablet and phone.

The next day, Reed allegedly used the same tactic to rob another Flash Cab driver who believed he was picking up a fare to O’Hare International Airport. This time, Reed pointed a gun with an extended magazine at the driver, asking, “Where the money at? I’m going to kill your a–, where all the money at?”

Reed fled with about $120 in cash, a cell phone, and a tablet.

Three days later, Reed called an Uber to 1500 South Kolin Avenue, with a drop-off address once again on the 7300 block of South Seeley Avenue. When the driver arrived, Reed aimed his gun at the driver’s torso and ordered him to hand over his wallet, phone, and jacket.

As he exited, Reed allegedly warned, “Go, leave, before I kill you.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret A. Steindorf and Paul Schied argued that Reed’s spree showed “a criminal appetite” that posed a serious threat to the public.

At the time of the robberies, he was on bond for the domestic battery charge. Reed has been in custody since his arrest in April 2022. Prosecutors sought a 15-year sentence while Reed’s lawyer pressed for about 10 years.

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