Man arrested in connection with series of armed robberies in Sumter County

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigators, along with the US Marshals Service, arrested 20-year-old Javontae Antonio Lewis on Friday morning, September 6.

Photo: Sumter County Sheriff’s Office

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A man has been arrested following a series of armed robberies of people attempting to purchase a trailer they had seen on Facebook Marketplace, say deputies.

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigators, along with the US Marshals Service, arrested 20-year-old Javontae Antonio Lewis on Friday morning, September 6.

Lewis is being charged with multiple counts of armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, criminal conspiracy, and pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.

Investigators say the armed robberies began on August 18, when a Sumter County resident traveled to a residence near Mcquiller Street in Wedgefield to purchase a utility trailer offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

When the victims arrived to the designated location for the sale, the suspects pointed firearms at them and demanded money.

After taking the cash, the suspects ran away into a nearby wooded area and the victims left and called 911, say investigators.

In the following weeks after the first incident, the same incident continued to happen four times.

Lewis who is one of the suspects was out of jail on bond and was wearing an ankle monitor after his arrest for three counts of attempted murder and other charges related to a 2022 incident.

He was taken to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and is being held while he awaits a bond hearing.

Sumter County deputies say the investigation is continuing while a search is underway for Lewis’ accomplice.

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Sgt. Josh Phillips at 803-436-2004.

You can also use www.p3tips.com or the “P3” mobile app to provide information. You may remain anonymous and earn a reward.