Houston Smoke Shop Bandit De Aundre Jones Faces 20 Years

HOUSTON – De Aundre Devoy Jones, 33, is facing a federal indictment on nine counts related to a string of brazen armed robberies targeting smoke and vape shops across Houston. The charges, announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, detail a calculated series of heists carried out in late January, preying on small businesses and terrifying store clerks.

The indictment alleges that between January 26th and 30th, Jones and his co-conspirators systematically targeted several establishments. The first hit was the Supreme Smoke Vape shop at 11460 Fuqua Street. According to the government’s filing, Jones and his crew stormed the store, brandishing firearms and demanding cash from the registers. This wasn’t a smash-and-grab; it was a coordinated effort to intimidate and steal.

The robbery spree continued two days later, with the group allegedly hitting two separate Vape City locations in Houston. The pattern remained the same: firearms displayed, demands for cash, and a swift exit. Investigators believe Jones played a central role in planning and executing each robbery, actively aiding and abetting his accomplices. The government alleges the group worked as a cohesive unit, sharing in the spoils and dividing the risk.

The final target in the series was Texas Rock and Roll, a vape shop on 1960 Road West. On January 30th, Jones and his crew allegedly descended on the store, again brandishing firearms and making off with an undisclosed amount of cash. The sheer audacity of hitting multiple businesses in such a short timeframe speaks to a level of desperation – or perhaps, overconfidence. The case was delayed due to the recent government shutdown, but has now been brought to light.

If convicted on all counts, Jones could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each robbery charge. Adding to that, he faces a mandatory minimum of seven years per count for the firearms offenses, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The government is also seeking a potential $250,000 fine on each count. This isn’t just about the money stolen; it’s about the fear these men instilled in the community.

The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Houston Police Department, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith is prosecuting the case. Jones is currently in custody on related charges and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho on November 7th at 10 a.m. It’s important to remember that an indictment is an accusation, and Jones is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.