Last defendant of Montgomery dry cleaning business robbery sentenced

The case of the robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business in 2025 has drawn to a close as the last defendant was sentenced on Aug. 5. 

Clinton Thompson, 56, of Birmingham, was sentenced to more than 10 years after he pleaded guilty to a count of Hobbs Act robbery on April 13. He will serve three years of supervised release following his stint in prison. 

“Violent crime has no place in our communities, and those who commit these offenses should expect substantial federal prison sentences,” said United States Attorney Govan. “This was a calculated and violent robbery that left a hardworking business owner injured and traumatized. With the sentencing of the final defendant, every member of this robbery crew has now been brought to justice."

"Together, the defendants received nearly 53 years in federal prison, a result that reflects the severity of their conduct and the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners.”

Thompson was one of three others who reportedly carried out the crime on March 10 in 2025. The incident involved the defendants forcing their way into the Jim Massey's Dry Cleaning and brandishing what would turn out to be a BB gun. 

The owner was struck in the eye before he was zip tied as the four stole approximately $8,000, as well as the owner's car. 

“Today’s sentencing of Clinton Thompson ends the final, real-life chapter of something you would only expect to find in a true crime story,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Flowers. “This brazen group of criminals pre-planned a robbery, then executed that plan with violence and intimidation, and stole not only the victim’s cash, but also the victim’s car."

"What this robbery crew did not expect was the relentless tenacity of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The FBI and our partners worked quickly and aggressively to investigate this case, and ensured these violent offenders were held accountable.”