Two from Columbia indicted on federal armed robbery charges

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two people Columbia and a Kansas City man were indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to commit a series of armed robberies across the state, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.

Kahvaseon Z. Smith, 25, and Janaia R. Cason, 26, both of Columbia, and Kentrail M. Collins, 26, of Kansas City, were charged on Tuesday in a 12-count indictment, the release states.

The federal indictment alleges that Smith, Cason and Collins committed a series of armed robberies from Jan. 5-8. The release states they are also charged in five counts of robbery and five counts of brandishing a gun during a violent crime.

According to the release, the indictment alleges that Smith, Cason, and Collins committed five armed robberies:

• Petromart at 1004 N. Stadium, Columbia on Jan. 5;
• Breaktime at 2241 Pioneer St., Boonville on Jan. 5;
• Casey’s at 807 S. Broadway, Oak Grove on Jan. 5;
• Casey’s at 5869 N. Main, Joplin, Mo., on Jan. 8;
• Lamarti’s Truck Stop at 71 US 160, Lamar on Jan. 8.

Collins is also charged with illegal gun possession, the release states.