GAINESVILLE, GA. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Georgia, Northern), published as received.

GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Giovanni Annucci-Romero has been sentenced for a string of armed robberies in the cities of Gainesville and Cleveland, Georgia.

“The excellent coordination of federal and local law enforcement officers achieved the arrest and successful prosecution of this serial robber,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “These partnerships are helping to ensure the safety of the citizens of our district at a time when violent crime is spiking.”

“Giovanni Annucci-Romero terrorized several communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Division Ben Gibbons. “This sentence represents the seriousness of his crime.  ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue to reduce violent crime by arresting criminals, such as Annucci-Romero, who terrorizes the communities in which law-abiding citizens live.” 

“We are pleased with the convictions and knowing that these violent criminals have been removed from our communities,” said Chief Jeff Shoemaker, Cleveland Police Department.

“Partnerships in policing, the community and a comprehensive investigation played a key role in serving justice in this case. We are fortunate and thankful that no one was injured during this dangerous crime spree,” said Chief Jay Parrish, Gainesville Police Department.

“This outcome is a direct reflection of what good multi-jurisdictional teamwork and communication can accomplish. As a law enforcement leader, I continually strive to impress upon my employees the need to be proactive in everything we do and to remain alert at all times. The fact that our deputy was able to locate and stop Mr. Annucci-Romero within moments of his last criminal act serves as a testament to the fact that our deputies embrace their obligation to protect the citizens they serve,” said Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: Annucci-Romero wielded two firearms, one in each hand, during robberies of a grocery store in Gainesville, and two gas stations, one in Gainesville, and one in Cleveland, Georgia. Annucci-Romero was arrested on May 23, 2020, shortly after he robbed the gas station in Cleveland.

Following the robbery, Cleveland police officers released a description of the robbery suspect’s vehicle. Moments later, a deputy with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle that matched the description. Annucci-Romero was arrested in the vehicle after the deputy saw him sitting on the cash he had just stolen from the Cleveland gas station.

Giovanni Annucci-Romero, 24, of Gainesville, Georgia, was sentenced to ten years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $31,943.  Annucci-Romero was convicted on these charges on May 19, 2021, after he pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cleveland Police Department, the Gainesville Police Department, and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen prosecuted the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.