GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced today that U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou sentenced Jaquari Trotter, age 21, and Gregory Rogers, age 22, both of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to 60 and 57 months, respectively, for shooting at a member of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Rogers also faced sentencing for separate offenses involving illegal firearm possession and drug trafficking. Judge Jarbou imposed a total combined sentence for Rogers of 177 months in prison.
On February 4, 2020, Trotter and Rogers were outside a residence on Sherman Street SE in Grand Rapids when a member of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force drove by in an unmarked SUV. When the agent drove by a second time, Trotter and Rogers pulled out in front of the unmarked SUV and sped around a neighboring corner. Trotter had Rogers pull over sharply to the right side of the road and jumped out of the passenger door. Trotter then pulled a loaded 9mm handgun from his waistband and fired 11 shots at the agent’s vehicle before jumping back into the getaway car and speeding away with Rogers. The bullets Trotter fired pierced the agent’s SUV from the front bumper all the way to the rear door panel and also struck a nearby house. Trotter and Rogers each pled guilty to this offense in January 2022 shortly before they were scheduled for trial.
In sentencing Trotter and Rogers, Judge Jarbou emphasized the extremely serious nature of the men’s crimes. She noted that Trotter shot at the agent 11 times in the middle of a residential neighborhood, putting not only the agent’s life in jeopardy but also the lives of innocent civilians. She also focused on both men’s criminal histories and gang affiliations, remarking that, if released today, Trotter and Rogers would likely continue committing crimes.
“This shooting could have cost a law enforcement officer his life,” declared U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Trotter and Rogers acted without regard for the lethal results their actions could cause. These sentences reflect the violent and serious nature of the crimes committed and are an important step in ensuring the safety of our community.”
Kent County District Attorney Chris Becker echoed Totten’s sentiments, remarking that his office is “happy to work hand in hand with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring justice to the victim” of the shooting.
“The use of violence against one law enforcement officer carrying out his sworn duty is an offense against every officer who works selflessly to keep our communities safe,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “When violent perpetrators target those whose duty it is to protect and serve, every resource of the FBI will be used to ensure they are brought to justice.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service is appreciative of the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all the investigators involved in this case,” declared Joseph Guzman, Acting Chief Deputy of the U.S. Marshals Service. “This was a serious attack against one of our Officers and we are thankful these individuals have been held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Grand Rapids Police Department, with important additional assistance provided by the United States Marshals Service and the Michigan State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Carowan and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Blair Lachman, who also serves as a Deputy Prosecutor in Kent County.
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