Hunter
09/07/23
A Cedar Rapids man has been arrested for conspiracy to commit robbery after being caught on a three-way recorded call including an inmate at the Johnson County Jail.
Police say the morning of June 13th, 19-year-old Ewaun Gardner of 17th Street Southeast conspired with the unnamed co-defendant on a three-way call recorded by the jail. Gardner allegedly told the inmate that he was going to meet the victim, rob them, then flee the area.
Reportedly, the inmate gave Gardner recommendations on where to do the robbery and who to do it with.
Later that day, the robbery allegedly occurred on the 600 block of Wheaton Road. Police say Gardner pointed a handgun at his alleged victim’s head and took money before fleeing on foot.
The juvenile victim and a witness identified Gardner as the suspect by first name and by describing one of his tattoos. Gardner was booked into the Johnson County Jail June 29th, and charged with 1st Degree Robbery, Going Armed With Intent, Intimidation With A Dangerous Weapon, Assault While Participating in a Felony, and Carrying Weapons. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 47 years in prison.
A warrant for Gardner’s arrest on the conspiracy charge was issued on September 6th; he was already in custody in Lee County. The additional charge comes with a maximum ten-year prison sentence if convicted.
Court records show Gardner has submitted a written plea of not guilty for the June robbery. A case management conference is scheduled for September 15th with trial set for November 7th.