Key Takeaways:
Authorities alleged attackers used delivery disguises to gain entry into victims’ homes.Prosecutors said a victim transferred approximately $6.5 million during a gunpoint robbery.Federal charges include robbery, kidnapping, and conspiracy counts carrying severe penalties.Prosecutors alleged the men traveled from Tennessee to California to target victims in San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles. They allegedly posed as pizza, package, and coffee delivery workers to persuade victims to open their doors before forcing entry into the residences. Authorities said the attackers carried firearms and used duct tape and zip ties to restrain victims during the robberies. The DOJ stated:
The indictment alleged the group carried out coordinated home-invasion robberies and attempted robberies across multiple California cities. Prosecutors said victims were assaulted, restrained, and threatened inside their homes during the attacks.
Charges Carry Potential Life Sentence in Federal CourtChindavanh was arrested in Sunnyvale on Dec. 22, 2025, while Armstrong and Rucker were arrested in Los Angeles on Dec. 31, 2025. Chindavanh appeared in federal court in San Francisco on April 14, 2026. Armstrong and Rucker appeared there on May 11 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson on May 12 for appointment of counsel. Chindavanh is scheduled for a status hearing on June 26 before U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson.
The indictment charges the men with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and attempted kidnapping. The Hobbs Act and attempted kidnapping counts each carry up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The kidnapping conspiracy count carries up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian said:
