Armed Duo Sentenced to Federal Prison for Carmel CVS Robbery

INDIANAPOLIS- Two men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy in Carmel, Indiana.

Mikhal Hamilton, 26, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In March, a federal jury found Hamilton guilty of interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

David Washington, 24, of Arcadia, was previously sentenced to 9 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to court documents, witness testimony, and surveillance footage presented at trial, on the morning of June 25, 2023, Hamilton and Washington robbed the CVS Pharmacy located at 1424 Rangeline Road in Carmel. During the robbery, Hamilton jumped over the pharmacy counter, pointed a firearm at an employee's face, and demanded she open the safe. The safe contained various controlled substances in the form of prescription pills. Washington filled bags with pill bottles before both men fled northbound in a blue Chevrolet Impala parked at a nearby restaurant.

Carmel Police officers quickly located the vehicle. Hamilton was seen throwing pill bottles out of the back window as officers chased them and conducted the stop. Inside the car, officers recovered pills, pill bottles, and two handguns.

Hamilton has a lengthy criminal history, including felony convictions for synthetic identity deception and carrying a handgun without a license.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Carmel Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.

"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. 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," said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "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. That kind of behavior puts innocent people at risk, and there's no excuse for it," 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."

U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Massa and Nate Walter, who prosecuted this case.

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