ALBUQUERQUE – Sheldon Harris, 28, of Albuquerque, N.M., is headed to federal prison for a spree of brazen robberies targeting local fast-food establishments. Harris was sentenced today to 114 months behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple counts stemming from a series of hold-ups in 2015 and 2016.
Federal prosecutors detailed a pattern of violence, revealing Harris robbed multiple Subway and Blake’s Lotaburger restaurants across Albuquerque. A ten-count indictment originally charged Harris with robbing Subway locations on August 22, September 6, September 8, September 26, and October 5, 2015. He was also accused of hitting Blake’s Lotaburger restaurants on October 1, October 5, October 11, and October 18, 2015. The crimes occurred within Bernalillo County, turning everyday lunch stops into terrifying encounters for employees and customers.
The turning point came with Harris’s September 12, 2016, guilty plea to three specific counts: violating the Hobbs Act for the robberies of Blake’s Lotaburger restaurants on October 11 and October 18, 2015, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence throughout the period of August 22, 2015, through October 18, 2015. During the plea, Harris admitted to wielding a firearm while robbing the Lotaburger locations, confirming the dangerous nature of his actions. He confessed to using a firearm during multiple robberies.
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department, paints a picture of a repeat offender preying on local businesses. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado spearheaded the prosecution, utilizing a federal anti-violence initiative designed to target “the worst of the worst” criminals. The initiative focuses on leveraging federal prosecution to maximize incarceration time for repeat violent offenders, removing them from New Mexico communities for extended periods.
This case is a stark example of the program in action. The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked in conjunction with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and a network of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to build a strong case against Harris. The goal wasn’t simply conviction, but to ensure a significant prison sentence that would protect the public. Harris will also face two years of supervised release following his prison term, and has been ordered to pay restitution to the victimized restaurants.
While 114 months provides some measure of justice for the victims and the community, it remains to be seen if this sentence will be enough to deter similar crimes. Grimy Times will continue to monitor the fallout of this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in Albuquerque and beyond. The FBI and APD have not released further details on potential accomplices or related investigations at this time.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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