Dallas Man Sentenced To 300 Months In Federal Prison For Committing Armed Robberies Of Dallas-Area Businesses

DALLAS — Christopher Washington, 49, who admitted committing the armed robberies of businesses in the Dallas area in 2012-2013, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 300 months (25 years) in federal prison, announced John Parker, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

In August 2014, Washington pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

In September 2014, co-defendant Darren Lewis, 45, was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to documents filed in the case, on October 30, 2012, Lewis entered a Hampton Inn and Suites in Desoto, Texas, inquired about room rates, looked around the lobby, and then left the hotel. Immediately afterwards, Washington entered the lobby and requested a room. He then pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the desk clerk, and demanded cash. Fearing for her life, the clerk complied. Washington then left the hotel and got into a waiting Ford expedition, driven by Lewis.

On November 6, 2012, Washington entered a La Quinta Inn in Cedar Hill, Texas, approached a desk clerk, displayed a shotgun, and while pointing it at the clerk, demanded money. The clerk complied, and Washington left and got into a dark colored car, parked outside of the hotel lobby, driven by Lewis.

On January 28, 2013, Lewis entered a 7-Eleven store in Dallas, grabbed a candy bar from a shelf and then pulled out a silver handgun, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded money from the cash register. In fear for his life, the clerk complied. Lewis then fled the store and drove away in a maroon Ford Expedition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Dallas, Duncanville, Desoto, and Cedar Hill Police Departments investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taly Haffar prosecuted.