San Bernardino Man Sentenced to 15½ Years in Federal Prison for Marijuana Armed Robbery that Led to Victim’s Death

RIVERSIDE, California – A San Bernardino man who arranged a drug deal that resulted in a 21-year-old man being shot and killed was sentenced today to 186 months in federal prison.

Dillion Jones, 20, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal, who also ordered him to pay $14,342 in restitution.

Jones pleaded guilty in March 2023 to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death, one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possessing a stolen firearm.

Previously in this case, Rontrell Brainell Shaw, 22, of San Bernardino, the robbery crew’s getaway driver, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison and his brother, Martrell Patrick Shaw, 20, also of San Bernardino, who participated in the fatal robbery, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

“This defendant’s reckless disregard for human life resulted in a senseless murder and a grieving family left behind,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We cannot accept violence on our streets. Today’s sentence sends a message that my office is committed punishing and deterring violent gun crime.”

“These violent criminals create unsafe communities with their horrific acts,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF Los Angeles Field Division Jose Medina. “ATF is dedicated to using all its federal tools and resources to make our communities safer. Our agents will continue to work alongside state and local law enforcement targeting violent career criminals while protecting our neighborhoods.”

In July 2021, Jones placed an order with the victim for one pound of marijuana. Jones placed the order knowing that neither Martrell Shaw nor Rontrell Shaw nor he had enough money to pay for it. Instead, the trio planned to rob the victim at gunpoint. Jones and Martrell Shaw brought a loaded firearm with them while Rontrell Shaw acted as their driver.

Once the victim arrived at what he thought was the drug deal location in San Bernardino County, Martrell Shaw and Jones robbed him at gunpoint. During the robbery, one of the robbers discharged the firearm twice, striking the victim in the neck and torso. Martrell Shaw and Jones then stole the marijuana and a firearm belonging to the victim, who later died from the gunshot wounds he suffered. Rontrell Shaw then picked up Martrell Shaw and Jones and fled the scene.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Bernardino Police Department investigated this case.

Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.

Assistant United States Attorney Peter H. Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuted this case.