LOS ANGELES – A South Bay man pleaded guilty Wednesday to his role in a crew that committed armed robberies of a liquor store, gas station and convenience store — a crime spree that prosecutors say ended in the death of an innocent driver while the defendants fled from police.

Salagi Iakopo, 32, of Carson, entered his plea in Los Angeles federal court to one count of interference with commerce by robbery, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 1.

The defendants — Iakopo, Kaelenn Maea, 28, of Long Beach and Mathew Salanoa, 25, of Placentia — committed three armed robberies in September 2023 in Downey, Compton and South El Monte, according to court records.

In each heist, one of the robbers used a short-style rifle to control the cashier and customers while a

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