But he will spend decades behind bars.
Temple Hills resident Stephen Kennedy, 34, was sentenced to 45 years in prison following a series of explosive robberies reported at convenience stores in Maryland, federal authorities announced.
He was facing life in prison after being convicted on a host of charges following a five-day trial in February 2025.
Investigators say Kennedy and his co-conspirator, Donnell Kelly, carried out a dangerous plan between January 2021 and January 2022, targeting 7-Eleven locations in Maryland while they were open.
They deployed explosive devices to set fires, forcing store closures and disabling security cameras, prosecutors said.
With the stores left unguarded, the duo allegedly returned later to burglarize the ATMs, resulting in at least $90,000 in losses for the ATM company, authorities said.
On at least one occasion, Kennedy also demanded cash from the register before setting a fire, according to the indictment.
To avoid being caught, one of Kennedy’s accomplices even filed false police reports about stolen license plates, officials said.
In addition to his prison term, a judge also ordered that Kennedy serve three years of supervised release for:
- Conspiracy to commit arson;
- Arson affecting interstate commerce;
- Commercial robbery;
- Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Carrying an explosive device during the commission of a felony;
- Being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The judge also ordered that he pay $367,354.82 in restitution.
Kelly pleaded guilty in 2024 and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Kennedy is scheduled for sentencing on May 30.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
