One of the suspects in robberies at convenience stores in Bradley and Hamilton counties in 2007 was in federal court last week and was found guilty of possessing a weapon during a Hobbs Act robbery.

Derrick James Jackson, who is 21 years old, and three other Chattanooga men were charged with two holdups in Hamilton County and one in Bradley County.  On December 14, 2007, the four reportedly robbed the Rocky Top Market on 25th Street in Cleveland. A description of the vehicle they were in was broadcast over police channels and within minutes Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies spotted the getaway vehicle on South Lee Highway. The four suspects were taken into custody. 

Investigation by the BCSO, the Cleveland Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives resulted in the filing of charges related to the robberies being filed in federal court.      

Jackson reportedly pled guilty to some of his charges but pleaded not guilty to possessing a weapon during two of the robberies. At his recent trial the jury found him guilty and he is to be sentenced in April.   The other defendants entered guilty pleas in separate hearings.    

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office under the Project Safe Neighborhoods partnership with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.   

In another recent case in federal court, Terry Hayes received a sentence of almost 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess 500 grams or more of meth.  His arrest in March 2009 culminated a long investigation by the Drug Enforcement Unit of the BCSO, the ATF, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. 

U.S. District Court Judge Curtis Collier sentenced Hayes, who is 32 years old, to 262 months in a federal prison followed by 8 years of supervision after his release from custody.