Defendant Convicted of Back-to-Back Robberies

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a repeat offender who committed two robberies within minutes of each other. John Christopher Schubert, 35, was convicted of Aggravated Robbery, Robbery, Tampering with Evidence, Theft, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on January 26.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorney Phil Morton explained to the jury that on May 2, 2015, at 1:50 AM, Schubert entered the Breadbox at 5340 Millertown Pike wearing a ski mask, brandishing a gun, and demanding money from the cashier. Schubert made off with nineteen dollars before the cashier hit the panic button. Ten minutes later, Schubert entered the Breadbox at 6210 Asheville Highway again wearing a ski mask and demanding cash. This time, Schubert made off with $120. Knoxville Police Department Inv. Jason Booker responded to the scene and was able to get a vehicle description from one of the victims. KPD patrol officers were able to locate the vehicle within ten minutes of the second robbery. Inside the vehicle, officers located Schubert’s ski mask and a BB gun used during the robberies. Schubert had stolen the BB gun from Wal-Mart an hour before the first robbery.

“Thanks to the quick work of the Knoxville Police Department, this offender’s crime spree was cut short,” said DA Charme Allen.

Schubert has eleven prior felony convictions for Burglary, Forgery, Theft, Vandalism, and drug dealing offenses. At sentencing, he is facing a minimum of twelve years in prison without parole, but prosecutors will seek an enhanced sentence based on his criminal history.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.