BOSTON – A 39-year-old man from Bridgewater pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston on Tuesday to his involvement in the armed robbery of a cash courier for licensed cannabis companies outside a bank in Swansea, Massachusetts, in 2024. The defendant, along with others, allegedly zip-tied and pepper-sprayed the victim before setting the stolen getaway vehicle ablaze.
Steven Madison admitted guilt to charges including one count of robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. A sentencing date has yet to be set by the court.
In May 2024, Madison was arrested alongside Christopher White and Quentin McDonald in connection with the robbery. A fourth suspect, Elgun Mikaiylov, a former manager at one of the cannabis dispensaries, was later charged in an updated indictment for allegedly providing information about cash pickups and couriers, assisting in planning the robbery, and sharing in the proceeds.
On February 19, 2024, Madison and an accomplice stole a rental van from a U-Haul location in Abington, Massachusetts. Later that day, an armed courier transporting approximately $436,200 in cash for deposit arrived at BayCoast Bank in Swansea. Madison and, allegedly, White followed in the U-Haul van. White reportedly exited wearing a camouflaged vest, pointed a firearm at the courier, and zip-tied his hands. Madison then loaded the cash into the van, and the two allegedly attempted to disarm the courier, forced him into his car’s back seat, pepper-sprayed him, and shut the door.
Surveillance footage captured the courier freeing one hand, drawing his weapon, and firing four shots at the fleeing U-Haul van before calling 911. Afterward, Madison and White allegedly drove to a nearby spot in Swansea where McDonald waited in an SUV, transferred the cash, burned the van, and escaped.
A search of Madison’s Bridgewater home uncovered a pistol and over 400 grams of cocaine. He has prior state convictions for masked armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and illegal firearm possession.
The charge of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, to be served consecutively to any sentence on the underlying offense. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police; and Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Bridgewater, Brockton, Raynham and Whitman Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Major Crimes Unit and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Driscoll are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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