Introduction
Phoenix, AZ – September 22, 2025 — A Phoenix man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role in a violent robbery that left one victim shot and others terrorized inside a local streetwear store.
Sentencing and Conviction
Junn Alan Quinto Coleman, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharad H. Desai after pleading guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. These federal offenses carry severe penalties because of their connection to interstate commerce and the use of firearms in violent crimes.
In addition to his prison sentence, Coleman will be subject to supervised release following incarceration. Prosecutors noted that his violent actions and prior criminal history factored heavily into the length of the sentence.
The Robbery and Shooting
On January 2, 2024, Coleman and an accomplice carried out an armed robbery at Phoenix Soles, a streetwear shop on Central Avenue.
During the crime, Coleman pointed a firearm at individuals inside the store, pistol-whipped one man, and then shot him in the shoulder. The injured victim survived but required significant medical care.
Coleman and his accomplice stole cash, merchandise, and jewelry, fleeing the scene before being identified by law enforcement. Investigators later recognized Coleman by his distinctive facial tattoos, a key factor in linking him to the crime.
Federal and Local Investigation
The case was investigated by the FBI Phoenix Division, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR). Authorities credited strong interagency coordination for quickly identifying and apprehending Coleman.
United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine praised the teamwork:
“This case is a prime example of multiple agencies working together to curtail violent crime in our community. We are grateful for the work of the Phoenix Police Department, FBI, and Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry in quickly identifying the shooter and bringing him to justice.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Chapman, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Connection
The case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Justice Department’s nationwide initiative to reduce violent crime. PSN encourages collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement while engaging community partners to create long-term strategies against violence.
Reinvigorated in 2017, PSN directs U.S. Attorney’s Offices to target the most violent offenders, dismantle gangs and drug trafficking networks, and address crime drivers at the community level. Federal officials emphasized that Coleman’s case demonstrates how PSN helps ensure swift and decisive consequences for armed criminals.
Broader Context: Violent Crime in Phoenix
Authorities say violent robberies like the one at Phoenix Soles remain a persistent challenge in parts of the city, with firearms often escalating otherwise non-lethal encounters into deadly situations. By prosecuting cases like Coleman’s federally, law enforcement ensures longer sentences and fewer opportunities for repeat offenses.
Community leaders argue that the removal of dangerous offenders is critical to improving safety in commercial districts and restoring confidence among local business owners.
Conclusion
With an 18-year sentence, Coleman will spend nearly two decades in federal prison for his role in the robbery and shooting. His accomplice, who has not been publicly named, remains under investigation.
Federal officials reaffirmed that cases like this send a clear message: armed violence will not be tolerated, and offenders who terrorize communities will face the full weight of the federal justice system.
Case Number: CR-24-00484-PHX-SHD
Release Number: 2025-152_Coleman