Three Houston Men Indicted for Violent Armed Robberies of Local Restaurants

Three men have been indicted for their involvement in a series of violent armed robberies targeting local restaurant chains, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Christopher Djuan Roberts, 27, and Xavier Edward Jones, 28, both residents of Houston, are scheduled for detention hearings at 10 a.m. They will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray. Wesley James Thomas, 29, currently held in custody in another jurisdiction, will make his initial appearance in Houston soon.

The indictment, returned on Jan. 24, charges the men with interference with commerce by threat or force, brandishing of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm.

On Oct. 15, 2023, in the early morning hours, the trio allegedly robbed a Waffle House situated at 635 Rankin Road. Shortly after, they proceeded to rob a Denny’s located at 11320 North Freeway. During both incidents, the men reportedly brandished handguns while taking money from Waffle House employees and both employees and customers of Denny’s.

Roberts and Thomas, both convicted felons, are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

If convicted of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, the men could face life imprisonment. Interference with commerce by threat or force carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years. Additionally, Roberts and Thomas could face up to 15 years in prison for being felons in possession of a firearm. All charges also carry a possible fine of up to $250,000.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), in collaboration with the ATF Strike Force, spearheaded the investigation, with support from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department.