COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus man who claimed to be a car salesman and an internet escort to rob victims at gunpoint was sentenced to over 20 years in prison.
During two robberies, Keith Jorel Hudson, 36, showed a handgun and then fired it, injuring two people.
According to court records, Hudson met with an individual who had talked with him on Facebook Messenger about a vehicle Hudson was selling. Hudson brandished a weapon and demanded the victim to drop his wallet and keys when he arrived at a meeting spot on Spencer Court in Columbus.
The victim complied, and as Hudson reached for the wallet, the victim grabbed his keys and tried to leave. Hudson, investigators say, prevented the victim from entering his vehicle, pistol-whipped him, then shot him in the back of the neck.
The victim was able to flag down a nearby Columbus police officer and was taken to Grant Hospital for treatment.
On March 20, 2020, a second victim answered Hudson’s internet posting. This post was a dating ad on a website.
The second victim visited the Hickory Creek Apartments complex to meet a girl and pay her for sexual activities. Instead, Hudson approached him and demanded money while brandishing a firearm.
The victim handed Hudson the $30 he had in his possession and proceeded to walk away. That is when, reports say, Hudson began shooting at the victim.
The victim attempted to run as Hudson chased him in his vehicle.
Keith Jorel Hudson was apprehended by Columbus Police officers shortly after.