Serial Knifepoint Robber Sentenced

Khalif House, the man who was responsible for 40 knifepoint robberies in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens, was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years in jail and three years supervised release for his crimes.

Beginning in February 2015, House, 24, of Hempstead, and co-conspirators committed or attempted to commit 40 separate armed robberies throughout Nassau, Suffolk and Queens. He exclusively targeted commercial locations, including Carvel, Dunkin Donuts, Subway and 7-Eleven stores. On almost every occasion, House robbed commercial stores wearing mismatched gloves, with his face covered, while brandishing a knife.

During the robbery of a Carvel in Commack on April 26, 2016, House chased down a fleeing employee and dragged her back into the store to prevent her escape. On Feb. 24, 2015, he cut an employee of Evans Corner Store, located in Valley Stream, who attempted to disarm House during the robbery. House was ultimately apprehended hiding in a van on June 8, 2016 in Floral Park following a manhunt conducted by hundreds of members of law enforcement.

"The suspect in this case not only terrified business owners fearing they’d be robbed next, but assaulted and terrorized employees during the crimes," FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney said. "He believed hiding his face, and covering his hands would protect his identity. But after dogged investigation by agents and detectives, his disguise didn’t prevent his getting caught. This case is a great example of law enforcement working together to stop a criminal and bring him to justice."

House had pleaded guilty in December to charges of conspiracy to commit armed robberies, and admitted to his role in each of the 40 robberies.