One-Man Crime Wave Sentenced to 35 Years

Crime spree across D.C. area lasted several weeks

The man behind a string of robberies and carjacking across the area over a span of several was sentenced Thursday to 35 years in prison.

Byron Govan’s first victim, Dr. Molly Hauck, was depositing checks at a Wells Fargo Bank in Rockville, Md., when Govan took her Prius and her purse, including her checks and credit cards.

Using that stolen Prius, Govan drove to Annapolis and held up a Rite Aid at gunpoint. A security camera caught that crime.

Govan then drove to Alexandria, Va., and robbed a Dunkin Donuts at gunpoint, the prosecutor said. Surveillance video from that robbery shows cash being removed from a register, the prosecutor said.

At that point, the Prius was so hot, Govan set fire to it and abandoned it near the Beltway.

Govan then carjacked a Lincoln in Montgomery County and stole more wallets and credit cards and went on a spending spree: $376 on two pairs of Nikes, $37 on a Carolina Panthers cap, $186 at a sports bar. Then he went to a Little Caesar's in Prince George’s County for pizza.

Along the way, Govan put his number in the phone of a woman at a bar, which led police to his mobile device, according to Ramon Korionoff, public affairs director for the Montgomery County state’s attorney.

“From Alexandria to Anne Arundel and everywhere in between, this defendant exemplifies criminality of the lowest order,” Korionoff said.

Govan pleaded guilty in September to armed carjacking and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Contact Us