Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged a Columbus man with committing five armed robberies at local businesses within six days in January 2025. He and a co-defendant also allegedly stole firearms from a gun shop.
Dequan M. Keys, 30, is charged with crimes related to seven total robberies and one attempted robbery during January 2025. Keys allegedly possessed a firearm during five of the robberies. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Marwan H. Muhammad, 33, also of Columbus, is charged with taking part in one of the robberies.
According to the 14-count indictment, Keys committed the robberies between Jan. 12 and Jan. 26. In the first two alleged incidents, Keys stole a handgun from federal firearms licensee Vance Outdoors on Jan. 12 and Jan. 17. Muhammad allegedly participated in the Jan. 17 robbery.
Between Jan. 21 and Jan. 26, it is alleged Keys brandished a firearm and robbed Little Caesars Pizza on Harrisburg Pike in Columbus, Turkey Hill on South Hamilton Road in Whitehall, Turkey Hill on Stringtown Road in Grove City, Dollar General on West Broad Street in Columbus and Turkey Hill on Morse Road in Columbus. He allegedly attempted to rob the Turkey Hill on Cleveland Ave. in Columbus on the same day as the Little Caesars Pizza armed robbery.
Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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