Marco Ruelas, Fast Food Robbery, Texas 2021

Houston Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Fast Food Robbery

A 26-year-old Houston man, Marco Ruelas, has been sent to federal prison following his role in a series of robberies in the Houston area, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

On December 10, 2019, law enforcement responded to a robbery at a McDonald's on Westheimer Road in Houston. Witnesses reported that Ruelas rushed into the restaurant and pointed a shotgun at workers and bystanders. He said 'I want the money, all the big bills or I will shoot all of y'all.'

Ruelas took cash from the registers and fled in a maroon sedan. Witnesses said they heard Ruelas fire shots in the parking lot as he fled. Ruelas had a tattoo over his right eye which was later used to identify him.

The investigation led to the connection of Ruelas to a previous robbery of a MetroPCS store that occurred November 29, 2019, on Magnum Road in Houston. At that time, Ruelas produced a handgun and told an employee 'give me everything and nothing is going to happen to you.'

Ruelas will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. The Houston Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim McAlister prosecuted the case.

Marco Ruelas pleaded guilty on August 9, 2021. Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes ordered Ruelas to serve 234 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard Ruelas apologize to the court and the victims of his robberies and accepted responsibility for his crimes.

The exact criminal charges against Marco Ruelas were not specified in the press release. However, based on the details provided, it appears that he was charged with robbery.

Ruelas will be serving his 19-year prison sentence, followed by four years of supervised release. This is a significant outcome for the victims of Ruelas' robberies and a reminder of the consequences of committing violent crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/fast-food-robbery-results-prison-houston-man