A New York man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a robbery at Lowest Price Tobacco and Vape in Knightdale, North Carolina. Mekhi Marquise Hooi, 20, pleaded guilty on September 19, 2024, to charges of Hobbs Act Robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Court documents reveal that Hooi entered the store armed with a 9mm firearm. He demanded the clerk fill a bag with money and tobacco products while threatening to shoot if the clerk did not comply quickly. After committing the robbery, Hooi fled but was later apprehended in New York City. He was extradited to North Carolina to face legal proceedings.
The announcement of Hooi's sentencing was made by Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Knightdale Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Loeser prosecuting.
U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III presided over the sentencing.