Show-Me State Times

U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk has sentenced the final individual involved in a 2023 armored car robbery in Overland, Missouri. Phillip Keith Smith, aged 65, received an 11-year prison sentence on Wednesday. This follows the sentencing of Herman Leon Woods, 31, to 42 months last week and David C. Greenwade, 62, who was given a 20-year sentence in July.

The three men confessed to their roles in the robbery that took place on April 14, 2023, on Midland Avenue in Overland. During the incident, an armored car driver was targeted while making a cash drop at a store. Two individuals wearing black clothing and ski masks arrived in a black Jeep and confronted the driver. One robber threatened him with a handgun saying, “Don’t die over this money.” The driver surrendered his firearm and sought help inside the store.

Smith was armed with a short-barreled rifle during the heist. He and another unidentified robber seized $2,000 along with empty bank bags from the scene. Greenwade orchestrated the crime and drove the getaway vehicle while Woods owned the Jeep used for both practice runs and the actual robbery.

Both Woods and Greenwade pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. Smith admitted guilt to charges of robbery and using a firearm during a violent crime.

In related legal proceedings, Smith also pleaded guilty to money laundering while Greenwade faced charges including drug conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Both acknowledged involvement in selling illegal drugs and laundering profits.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI alongside the Overland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torrie J. Schneider led the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN's strategy emphasizes building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.