HOUSTON – Kelvin Patton, a 34-year-old Houston resident and known gang member, was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for his violent role in a restaurant robbery. The sentence, announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, comes after Patton struck a Denny’s manager with a gun during the heist.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett found Patton guilty of interference with commerce through robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence following a bench trial on November 5, 2024. Patton was handed an 89-month term for the robbery, with an additional 96 months for the firearms charge to be served consecutively, totaling 185 months behind bars. He will also face five years of supervised release upon his release from prison.
Patton’s criminal history includes numerous felony offenses, including robbery, vehicle theft, unlawful possession of firearms and body armor, all committed between 2019 and 2022. Despite being released on bond following these charges, he has continued to slide down a dangerous path, according to Judge Bennett.
The crime in question occurred when Patton followed a Denny’s manager from a bank to the restaurant on Hillcroft Ave. He was captured on surveillance video striking the manager in the head with a firearm and stealing a bank bag before fleeing in a car. Following a tip-off, authorities apprehended him after observing him looking into vehicles outside a bank.
At trial, Patton’s defense argued that the robbery fell outside federal jurisdiction. However, the court found him guilty as charged. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Patton will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. The Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of U.S. Marshals Service, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Tallichet prosecuted the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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