Two men have been sentenced to a combined 22-years in federal prison following an armed robbery at a Carmel, Indiana pharmacy, federal officials announced.
Mikhal Hamilton, 26, received a 13-year federal prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. A federal jury convicted Hamilton in March of interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
His co-defendant, 24-year-old David Washington of Arcadia, was previously sentenced to nine years in prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to trial evidence, witness testimony, and surveillance footage, Hamilton and Washington entered the CVS Pharmacy at 1424 Rangeline Road on the morning of June 25, 2023. Hamilton leaped over the counter, aimed a handgun directly at a worker’s face, and ordered her to open the safe holding prescription narcotics. Washington gathered pill bottles into bags before both suspects ran to a blue Chevrolet Impala waiting near a neighboring restaurant and drove north.
Carmel police spotted the car shortly after the robbery. During the pursuit, Hamilton threw stolen medicine bottles from the rear window before officers brought the vehicle to a stop. Investigators searched the Impala and recovered two handguns along with loose pills and prescription bottles.
Court records show Hamilton has prior felony convictions for carrying an unlicensed handgun and synthetic identity deception. The case was investigated jointly by the Carmel Police Department and the FBI.
“Armed robbery is a violent and dangerous crime. It forever changes the lives of the victims who experience fear, anguish, and violence associated with being robbed while trying to earn a living,” said U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler. “While the victim may be physically fine, the defendants’ violent actions took away her peace of mind and ability to feel safe in the workplace. Let these sentences serve as a clear message: those who commit armed robberies in our communities will be met with swift investigation, prosecution, and significant federal prison time.”
“When you point a gun at people during a robbery, someone can get hurt or killed – plain and simple. These guys stormed into a CVS and terrorized employees and customers just to get their hands on drugs,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Now they’re doing federal time – and that’s exactly what happens when you use a gun to commit a violent crime. The FBI is going to keep working with our partners to find violent offenders and get them off the streets. If you threaten our communities, you’re going to answer for it.”
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