Man sentenced to 17 years for armed robberies, including three in Fairfax County

The Domino’s Pizza on Watson Street in Tysons was one of three Fairfax County businesses hit in a string of armed robberies in early 2021 (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 9 a.m. on 4/19/2023) A 62-year-old Maryland resident faces almost two decades in prison for a string of armed robberies that spanned the D.C. area last year, including three incidents in Fairfax County.

Jon Karl Mcree Fleet was sentenced to 17 years today (Tuesday) after pleading guilty to using a firearm in five robberies committed between Jan. 24 and March 13, 2021, Department of Justice prosecutors announced.

“At the time of the robberies, Fleet was a convicted felon, having previously been convicted for armed robberies, and was thus prohibited from possessing a firearm,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Virginia said. “Fleet’s lengthy and violent criminal history qualifies him as a ‘Career Offender.’”

According to an affidavit from the investigating FBI agent, Fairfax County police first responded to an armed robbery report at the Macy’s in Springfield Town Center around 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2021.

Surveillance footage showed the suspect displaying a gun to the clerk at the cash register. Approximately $300 was reported stolen.

Similar robberies were subsequently reported on:

  • Feb. 11: McDonald’s (505 South Van Dorn Street) in the City of Alexandria
  • Feb. 17: Exxon gas station (1276 Crain Highway South) in Crofton, Maryland
  • Feb. 21: Subway (10428 Campus Way South) in Largo, Maryland
  • Feb. 23: Papa John’s (5860 Columbia Pike) in Bailey’s Crossroads
  • March 7: Marathon Gas Station (8405 Westphalia Road) in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
  • March 13: Domino’s Pizza (8133 Watson Street) in Tysons

The affidavit says Fleet was identified using cell phone data and video surveillance footage that captured his vehicle, clothes, and the use of “a sawed-off shotgun with distinctive blue tape,” which was spotted in the Upper Marlboro and Tysons robberies.

Fleet was arrested by U.S. Marshals deputies in D.C. on April 21, 2021, and extradited on April 26 to Fairfax County, where he has been detained since then.

A federal grand jury indicted Fleet on Aug. 19, 2021, handing down 10 total charges, including multiple counts of robbery and use of a firearm in connection to a violent crime. He was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

He had previously been convicted of armed robberies in Charles County and Anne Arundel County, Maryland, in 2002.

Fleet ultimately entered a plea agreement on Oct. 19 where he admitted guilt to the use of a gun in the Bailey’s Crossroads and McLean robberies in exchange for getting the other charges dismissed. Federal prosecutors also agreed to not pursue cases against him for any involvement in the Crofton and Upper Marlboro robberies.

The 17-year prison sentence is the minimum term required by federal law.

The plea agreement also requires Fleet to pay back the McDonald’s, Macy’s, Subway, Papa John’s and Domino’s stores that were robbed. The restitution totals $1,501.95, with the largest amount of $500 going to Subway.

Photo via Google Maps

Recent Stories

A train at the McLean Metro station platform (file photo) The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is asking the county’s General Assembly delegation to oppose Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed funding…

8220 Crestwood Heights Drive (image via Google Maps) Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to a fire at a high-rise on the 8200 block of Crestwood Heights Drive in Tysons…

Morning Notes

Cat (staff photo by Vernon Miles) Cat declawing to be banned in Virginia — “Veterinarians will not be allowed to declaw cats in Virginia starting in July, unless there are certain…

The Knutson Companies is thrilled to announce new opportunities for Loudoun County living with the release of a new section of rooftop terrace townhomes and a brand new community of…

×

Subscribe to our mailing list