Armed Robber Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison
AUSTIN, Texas – In a string of brazen armed robberies, Yael Williams, 39, left a trail of fear and destruction in his wake. The Kyle man was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison for his crimes, which included multiple armed robberies at a Subway restaurant and two 7-11 stores in Austin in June and July 2025.
According to court documents, Williams used a firearm during the robberies, taking cash and other property by force and by threatening the employees with a .22 caliber revolver. In a particularly disturbing incident, Williams fired several shots at two bystanders, one of whom was attempting to intervene and prevent the robbery.
Williams pleaded guilty in November to one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, stating, ‘When you pull a gun on someone in this district, you will face serious consequences.’ Simmons noted that Williams’ actions showed a callous disregard for human life, and that the sentence secured in this case demonstrates the commitment of the Western District to making neighborhoods, towns, and cities safe places for Americans to live.
The Austin Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Buie prosecuting the case.
In the Western District of Texas, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of committing violent crimes. The sentence of 288 months in federal prison is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement and prosecutors to keeping communities safe.
Yael Williams, 39, of Kyle, Texas, was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison for three charges related to multiple armed robberies in Austin.
Criminal charges: one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
City and state: Austin, Texas.
Exact date: June and July 2025.
Sentence or outcome: 288 months in federal prison.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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