Three men indicted for alleged robbery, armed robbery in Swansea

SWANSEA, Mass. (WLNE) — The United States Attorney has announced that three men have been officially indicted in the armed assault of a cash courier back in February. 

38-year-old Steven Madison, of Bridgewater, 37-year-old Christopher White, of Raynham, and 25-year-old Quentin McDonald, of Brockton, were each charged with one count of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery; one count of arson of property used in or affecting interstate commerce; and one count of conspiracy.

On Feb. 19 two men were seen on video stealing a rental van from a U-Haul location in Abington.

Later that day, an armed courier who worked for a company that provides secure cash transportation services for licensed cannabis companies arrived at a bank in Swansea, carrying approximately $436,200 in cash.

Allegedly, the U-Haul pulled up alongside the courier and a masked man wearing a camouflaged vest exited the van, pointed a firearm at the courier, and tied the courier’s hands behind his back using zip-ties while a second man loaded money into the van.

The two men allegedly forced the courier into the back seat of his own car, pepper sprayed him, and closed the door.

Surveillance footage showed the courier removed one hand from the zip-tie restraints, draw his firearm and fire four rounds in the direction of the U-Haul van as it fled the scene before calling 911.

The men allegedly drove the van to a nearby location where they met a third man, transferred the cash to an SUV, and then burned the U-Haul van.

An investigation identified the three suspects, and during a search of Madison’s residence found an estimated $5,000 as well as a $47,000 Rolex watch, a sweatshirt similar to that worn by one of the robbers, a firearm, and ammunition.

A search of White’s found zip-ties, a black mask similar to that worn by one of the robbers, a firearm and ammunition were recovered.

Each of the three men face a count of Hobbs Act Robbery, which refers to robbery that affects interstate commerce, a count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, a count of arson, and a count of conspiracy.

Madison and White also face charges of brandishing a firearm while committing a crime, felony possession of a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The latest court reports show the three men have been referred to a judge for pretrial proceedings.