Pair Face Up to 30 Years Each in Federal Prison for Committing Armed Robberies of Dallas-Area Businesses

DALLAS — Two Dallas men, who admitted committing the armed robberies of several businesses in the Dallas area in 2012-2013, have pleaded guilty to federal charges, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

Today, Christopher Washington, 48, pleaded guilty, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  In May, Darren Lewis, 45, pleaded guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

If the Court accepts the defendants’ plea agreements, the parties agree that a total range of 300 to 360 months’ imprisonment is appropriate for each defendant.  Both are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle on September 25, 2014.

According to documents filed in the case, on October 30, 2012, Lewis entered a Hampton Inn and Suites in Desoto, Texas, inquired about room rates, looked around the lobby, and then left the hotel.  Immediately afterwards, Washington entered the lobby and requested a room.  He then pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the desk clerk, and demanded cash.  Fearing for her life, the clerk complied.  Washington then left the hotel and got into a waiting Ford expedition, driven by Lewis.

On November 6, 2012, Washington entered a La Quinta Inn in Cedar Hill, Texas, approached a desk clerk, displayed a shotgun, and while pointing it at the clerk, demanded money.  The clerk complied and Washington left and got into a dark colored car, parked outside of the hotel lobby, driven by Lewis.

On January 28, 2013, Lewis entered a 7-Eleven store in Dallas, grabbed a candy bar from a shelf and then pulled out a silver handgun, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded money from the cash register.  In fear for his life, the clerk complied.  Lewis then fled the store and drove away in a maroon Ford Expedition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Dallas, Duncanville, Desoto and Cedar Hill Police Departments investigated.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Taly Haffar is in charge of the prosecution.