Marcus Cox, Robbery, Oregon 2023

Marcus Cox, a Key Player in Violent Robbery Crew, Sentenced to 110 Months in Federal Prison

EUGENE, Ore.—The fifth and final member of a robbery crew that stole drugs and money from marijuana traffickers operating in Oregon in a series of violent robberies was sentenced to federal prison today, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Marcus Cox, 38, of Eugene, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to interfering with commerce by robbery and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

The crew’s leader, Jorge Rubio, 37, of Reedsport, Oregon, was sentenced on October 29, 2020 to 121 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for the same charges. Three other crew members have also been sentenced for their roles in the robbery scheme. Shawn Dunaway, 39, of Veneta, Oregon and Jason Brooks, 37, of Eugene were each sentenced to 101 months in federal prison. Antonio Vizcaino, 30, of Austin, Texas was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison.

“In a misguided attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement, Jorge Rubio and his gang of thugs preyed on people they believed would not report their crimes. In doing so, they callously threatened the lives of their targets and risked the safety of the entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “These violent crimes are the direct result of an illegal and thriving marijuana black market. I commend the hard work and dedication of law enforcement for bringing this gang to justice.”

Marcus Cox, along with other crew members, targeted individuals who were involved in the marijuana trade, using violence and intimidation to steal cash and drugs. In one instance, Cox and others robbed two individuals who had traveled from Austin to Eugene to invest in a marijuana grow operation, seizing $50,000 in cash.

The crew's violent crimes were facilitated by the illegal marijuana black market in Oregon. Law enforcement began investigating the group in March 2017, and subsequent arrests and sentencing have brought an end to the crew's activities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/final-defendant-sentenced-role-series-robberies-targeting-marijuana-traffickers