Montgomery man sentenced to 13 years in prison for armed robbery in Wetumpka

A Montgomery man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for armed robbery and for firing a gun while committing the crime.

Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson announced that a federal judge has sentenced 33-year-old Roddrecius Lavelle Goldsmith to 13 years and one month in prison for his role in a 2023 armed robbery.

During today’s sentencing hearing, the judge also ordered that Goldsmith remain on supervised release for five years following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records and statements made in court, on January 20, 2023, Goldsmith entered a gas station on U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. Goldsmith asked the clerk about the location of the bathroom, then pulled out a handgun.

Those records state that Goldsmith forced the clerk to go with him into the restroom where he struck her in the head with the gun several times. Goldsmith then forced the clerk back to the counter and demanded money from the cash register. After retrieving approximately $79 from the register’s drawer, Goldsmith left.

Records show the clerk hit a panic button that magnetically locked the doors. When Goldsmith got to his vehicle, he realized he had left his car keys inside the store. Goldsmith returned to the locked gas station doors and fired a round through the glass. Goldsmith reentered the store through the shattered glass door and got his keys. He then fled the scene.

On May 23, 2024, Goldsmith pleaded guilty to interference with interstate commerce by robbery and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.