FORT WORTH, TX – Nathaniel Roshaun Bowens, 34, of Fort Worth, is facing decades behind bars after a federal jury found him guilty on five counts stemming from a year-long spree of brazen T-Mobile store robberies. The conviction, handed down after a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, marks a significant victory for federal prosecutors in the Northern District of Texas.
Bowens was convicted of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The charges carry a staggering potential penalty: up to 20 years for the conspiracy count and each robbery count, and a life sentence for each firearm charge – all alongside a potential $250,000 fine per count. Bowens has been cooling his heels in federal custody since his arrest in January 2017, and sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2017.
Evidence presented at trial painted a picture of calculated violence. On October 5, 2015, Bowens allegedly stormed into a T-Mobile store at 1801 Eastchase Parkway #115 in Fort Worth, brandishing a firearm and terrorizing employees into handing over a cache of cellular phones and other electronics. The pattern continued, with similar incidents unfolding at T-Mobile locations in Mansfield (981 N. Walnut Creek, March 7, 2016) and Grand Prairie (2205 W. IH-20, June 28, 2016). In each case, the MO was the same: intimidation through the threat of deadly force.
The robberies weren’t always successful. The prosecution demonstrated that Bowens attempted to rob T-Mobile stores at 3524 Altamesa Blvd in Fort Worth (August 29, 2016, and again on September 4, 2016) and at 2209 W. Berry St. in Fort Worth (September 4, 2016), but failed to obtain any goods. However, the intent to commit these violent acts was enough to secure the convictions. Witnesses testified to the palpable fear Bowens instilled in employees during these attempts.
A multi-agency task force brought Bowens down. The FBI, alongside the Fort Worth, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, Arlington, and Dallas Police Departments, collaborated on the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Poe and Chris Wolfe skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting a compelling narrative of criminal activity to the jury. The investigation highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling violent crime across jurisdictional lines.
This case serves as a stark reminder that brandishing a firearm during a robbery is not simply a property crime; it’s a direct threat to human life. With a sentencing date looming, Bowens now faces the prospect of spending a significant portion of his life in federal prison. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the final sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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