Federal Jury Convicts San Diego Man for 2017 Armed Robbery Spree

SAN DIEGO – Today, a federal jury found Juan Marquis Holiday, a San Diego resident, guilty of robbing and attempting to rob ten local businesses by displaying a firearm during the robberies and, on five occasions, discharging a firearm. The jury returned their verdict after hearing the testimony of 37 witnesses, including the individuals who were in those businesses at the time of the robberies and attempted robberies.

 “When someone uses a firearm and repeatedly terrorizes community members, bringing that person to justice is a top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We are gratified to have secured a conviction that not only holds the defendant accountable for his violent crimes, but brings a measure of greater security to our communities.  I’d like to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shital Thakkar and Matthew Brehm and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this case.”

During trial before District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia, dozens of witnesses explained to the jury various aspects of the defendant’s crime spree.  Those witnesses included: victims from the local businesses, first responders, evidence technicians, DNA and ballistics experts from the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego Sherriff’s Department, and other federal agents. More than twelve victims described being threatened with a firearm during the robberies, which occurred in January and April of 2017. Some of those victims also described how the defendant fired shots past their heads, and physically assaulted them, including with the use of his pistol.

Holiday’s co-defendant, Don Wayne Jones III, pled guilty in 2018 and was sentenced to 30 years and 1 day in custody.

“The FBI has federal jurisdiction under the Hobbs Act to investigate violent criminal acts affecting interstate commerce,” said Omer Meisel, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge for the San Diego Division of the FBI.  “In this case, our Agents worked closely with our local partners at the San Diego Police Department and San Diego Sheriff’s Department to bring justice for the victims of this violent crime and bring safety to our community.”

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section.  Formed in 2019, by U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer, Jr., the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, labor trafficking and alien smuggling. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood.

DEFENDANT                                                Case Number 17cr1370-AJB                                             

Juan Marquis Holiday                                    Age: 27                                   San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Interference with Commerce by Threats or Violence – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951(a)

Maximum penalty: 20 years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine

Attempted Interference with Commerce by Threats or Violence – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951(a)

Maximum penalty: 20 years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine

Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence –

Title 18, U.S.C., Section 924(c)

Maximum penalty: life imprisonment; a mandatory minimum seven years in prison; and $250,000 fine

Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence –

Title 18, U.S.C., Section 924(c)

Maximum penalty: life imprisonment; a mandatory minimum ten years in prison; and $250,000 fine

AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

San Diego Police Department

San Diego Sherriff’s Department

La Mesa Police Department