Jordan Javon Ashton, Armed Robbery, Texas 2023

VICTORIA, Texas - On a Halloween evening, a brazen robbery shook the streets of Victoria, Texas. At Morelos Supermercardos, two masked men, Latrayveon McNeal and Jerrell Potts, brandished firearms and demanded cash from the cashier and store employees. The robbers fled in a stolen white truck, but their getaway was short-lived.

A federal jury heard the case against Jordan Javon Ashton, 27, of Houston, who was accused of being a getaway driver and a felon in possession of a firearm. After a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning a guilty verdict.

The evidence presented in court included surveillance footage from the supermarket, photographs of the stolen vehicle and firearms used in the crime, and excerpts of 911 calls made on the day of the robbery. The jury also heard that Ashton had previously been convicted of a felony and was on parole during the commission of this crime.

Ashton's defense team attempted to convince the jury that he withdrew from the conspiracy, but their claims fell short. The jury found Ashton guilty as charged, and he now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery charge and up to 15 years for the firearm charge. He also faces a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

McNeal, 26, and Potts, 25, both of Houston, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the crime. Potts received 87 months in federal prison, while McNeal is pending sentencing.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will preside over Ashton's sentencing on May 29. He will remain in custody pending the hearing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Victoria Police Department, Victoria County Sheriff’s Office, and Victoria County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is prosecuting the case.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the swift action of law enforcement in combating crime. In this instance, the brave actions of the supermarket employees and the quick response of the authorities led to the apprehension of the perpetrators and brought justice to the victims.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/halloween-getaway-driver-convicted