Eight charged in rash of Raleigh armed robberies

Raleigh, N.C. — Raleigh police arrested eight men and women late last week who they believe plotted to commit a rash of armed robberies over the past six months.

The robbers targeted mostly delivery drivers, as well as a taxi driver and Family Dollar store in north Raleigh at which one suspect worked, investigators said. One robbery victim was assaulted and suffered serious injuries.

The armed robberies began in September and continued until early this month. Police said they have not uncovered a gang connection to the robberies.

Police arrested the eight suspects last Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. They all were being held in the Wake County Jail on Sunday afternoon.

Officers charged:

• Joseph Andrea Tinsley, 23, of 804 Belmont Drive in Raleigh – seven counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, six counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, three counts of second-degree kidnapping and one count of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. He was given a $750,000 secured bond.

• Brian Anthony Johnson, 22, of 821 N. King Charles Road in Raleigh – four counts each of robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He was given a $500,000 secured bond.

• Ryan Lavert Brown, 19, of 258-203 Weston Road in Garner – one count each of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and embezzlement. He was given a $55,000 secured bond.

• Christopher Sherod Clay, 22, of Raleigh – three counts each of armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He was given a $450,000 secured bond.

• Anastasia Ashley Richardson, 22, of 1639-B Burgundy St. in Raleigh – two counts each of armed robbery and felony conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. She was given a $200,000 secured bond.

• Quinton Lamont Battle, 19, of Raleigh – one count each of armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He was given a  $100,000 secured bond.

• Jasmine Yvette McFadden, 25, of 717 Glenbrook Drive in Raleigh – one count each of armed robbery and conspiracy. She was given a $60,000 secured bond.

• Shawn Demetrius Baker, 18, of 513 Dacian Road in Raleigh – one count of armed robbery. He was given a $200,000 secured bond.

Police identified Brown as the Family Dollar employee.

Tinsley, Johnson, Clay and Richardson made their first court appearances Feb. 13, and their next court date was set for March 5.

Brown, Battle and McFadden will appear in court Feb. 16. Baker made his first court appearance Feb. 11, and his next court date was set for March 4.