A violent crime spree that terrorized convenience stores in the Denton area has come to an end with the sentencing of Victor Guardado Zepeda, 43, of Houston, to 231 months in federal prison.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Zepeda pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery; conspiracy to carry a firearm during a crime of violence; two counts of Hobbs Act robbery; and two counts of brandishing firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, handed down the sentence on August 26, 2025.
The crime spree, which took place in Denton and Lewisville, involved the robbery of two convenience stores, with the perpetrators making off with over $100,000. During the robberies, the assailants, including Zepeda, entered the stores, brandished firearms, and placed an employee on her knees at gunpoint, while the others went into the manager’s office and severely beat one of the employees.
The investigation into the crime spree was led by the FBI, with assistance from the Denton Police Department and Lewisville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver. The sentencing is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating violent crime and protecting communities from transnational criminal organizations.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs announced the sentencing, stating that the Department of Justice is committed to bringing perpetrators of violent crime to justice. The sentence handed down to Zepeda reflects the severity of the crimes committed and serves as a warning to those who would engage in similar activity.
The case against Zepeda is a testament to the effectiveness of Operation Take Back America, which streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). By working together, law enforcement agencies can identify and prosecute those responsible for violent crime, making our communities safer and more secure.
In addition to the sentence handed down to Zepeda, the case highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. By sharing resources and intelligence, agencies can more effectively combat violent crime and bring perpetrators to justice. As the Department of Justice continues to implement Operation Take Back America, communities across the country can expect to see a decrease in violent crime and an increase in public safety.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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