PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Zachary Kinnell, 23, of Upper Marlboro, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for a spree of armed robberies targeting fast food drive-thru restaurants.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland charged Kinnell with interference with interstate commerce by robbery and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Between July 28 and August 3, 2022, Kinnell and his co-conspirator, Brian Elzey, robbed multiple fast-food restaurants across Maryland and Virginia. Elzey alone robbed 11 restaurants, stealing a total of $3,555.01.
Their method involved approaching drive-thru windows under the pretense of ordering food, where Kinnell would forcibly take cash from employees. From August 1 through August 3, Kinnell escalated to armed robberies, brandishing a gun during four fast-food robberies.
On August 4, Montgomery County police stopped a stolen Chevrolet Cruze near Wheaton and found a gun, two restaurant cash drawers, and $427.01. Phones belonging to Kinnell and Elzey revealed attempted robberies at six additional fast-food locations.
