Jerrieus Williams Sentenced in Houston Armed Robbery Spree

Jerrieus Williams, 32, of Houston, has been sentenced to 219 months in federal prison for masterminding a violent string of armed robberies targeting pawn shops and a smoke shop in January 2015. Williams, the ringleader of a five-man crew, orchestrated the heists at Jet Pawn, Cash America Pawn, and the attempted robbery of Mad Dog Smoke Shop — crimes that netted the group 26 stolen firearms, jewelry, and cash while terrorizing employees at gunpoint.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced that four of the five defendants have now been sentenced, with Williams receiving the harshest penalty: 135 months for interference with commerce by robbery and a consecutive 84 months for use and carrying of a firearm during a crime of violence. Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal emphasized Williams’ managerial role, noting he scouted locations, supplied weapons, and acted as lookout during the robberies — directly enabling the crew’s violent spree.

Alonzo Flowers, 24, and Paul McCoy Jr., 24, both entered the targeted businesses brandishing firearms. At Jet Pawn and Cash America Pawn, they seized guns, cash, and jewelry while forcing employees to open safes. During the botched robbery at Mad Dog Smoke Shop, Flowers and Kye Rue, 23, pointed a weapon at a lone employee — who responded by drawing his own firearm and firing, wounding Flowers and sending the duo fleeing. A stolen gun from Jet Pawn was dropped during the escape.

Flowers was later sentenced to 154 months in federal prison; McCoy received 130 months. Rue, who served as getaway driver and entered two locations with intent to rob, was sentenced to 124 months. All three pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting use and carrying of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Andre Coleman, 25, the final defendant, also participated in the armed robberies of Jet Pawn and Cash America Pawn as part of the entry team, carrying a firearm during both. He is scheduled for sentencing on March 22, 2017, and remains in federal custody. All defendants have been continuously detained since their arrests.

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in coordination with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Richard Hanes handled the prosecution, securing convictions that reflect the severity of the gang’s coordinated, armed attacks on local businesses.