Cherokee County Man Guilty in Armed Robbery Crime Spree

TYLER � A 22-year-old Jacksonville man has pleaded guilty in connection with a violent crime spree targeting area businesses in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales Tuesday. Jonathan Roshard Brown pleaded guilty to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act conspiracy) and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. The plea came Tuesday in Tyler before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell.

According to information presented in court, Brown and three co-defendants conspired to commit robbery, which unlawfully obstructed, delayed and affected commerce in violation of federal law. Specifically, authorities say they committed four armed robberies in Jacksonville during a crime spree which began on Oct. 2, 2011 when Brown and two others stole $9,465 from the Wal-Mart Supercenter. On Nov. 2, 1012, Brown and two others robbed the Razorback Grocery on Hwy. 69. Brown brandished a handgun and demanded money from the owner. Razorback Grocery suffered a loss of approximately $16,000 in cash and $6,900 in Texas lottery tickets.

On Nov. 16, 2012, Brown and two others again robbed the owner of the Razorback Grocery while he was waiting in the commercial drive-thru line at the Austin Bank on West Commerce Street. During the robbery Brown fired a handgun, striking the victim. The bullet passed through the victim�s hand, throat and shoulder. The victim survived after being airlifted to a Tyler hospital. Officials say the defendants obtained an undetermined amount of cash from the victim�s vehicle. The armed robbery resulted in the closure of Razorback Grocery and the temporary closure of Austin Bank. On Nov. 23, 2012, Brown and another person attempted to rob the owner of the Fast Fuel on Hwy 69. The owner was able to strike Brown and flee.

Brown faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the Hobbs Act violation and a minimum of 10 years in federal prison for the firearms violation. A sentencing date has not been set.