San Diego Man Sentenced to More than 20 years for Three Armed Robberies

Assistant U. S. Attorney Mario J. Peia (619) 546-9706    

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 3, 2022

SAN DIEGO – A man who committed three armed robberies, including a robbery in which he fired his gun at a clerk, was sentenced in federal court today to 248 months in prison.

Devon Dwayne Brooks pleaded guilty in July to two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, one count of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.

According to his plea agreement, Brooks admitted that he robbed the Alpha and Omega Jewelry store in National City on March 26, 2019; the Valerio’s Bakeshop in National City on December 30, 2019; and the Winchell’s Donut House in National City on January 2, 2020. A gun was used in all three robberies. During the Winchell’s Donut House robbery, Brooks used a revolver to demand money from the cash register. When the clerk resisted, a struggle ensued. Brooks took a step back, aimed his revolver, and fired one shot, ultimately missing the clerk. Brooks then punched and pistol-whipped the clerk before fleeing empty handed.

“This defendant terrorized and injured store clerks and put their lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “He changed their lives forever. This is a prime example of why the Department of Justice prioritizes violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes in a manner that promotes victim rights and ensures just consequences for those who perpetrate violent crimes.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the FBI and the National City Police Department for their excellent work on this case.

“Today’s sentence should send a very clear message to violent criminals throughout the county – the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force will utilize all investigative resources and law enforcement partnerships to track down and bring to justice those who commit violent acts and put lives in danger,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “The FBI is proud to work alongside our partners at the National City Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office to help keep our communities safe. I hope this sentence brings a sense of justice and closure to those victims whose lives were viciously impacted.”

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 20cr0239-WQH                                     

Devon Dwayne Brooks                                   Age: 23                                   San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Hobbs Act Robbery/Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison

Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 924(c)

Maximum Penalty: Life; Consecutive Mandatory Minimum: Seven years per count

AGENCY

Federal Bureau of Investigation

National City Police Department

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section.  Formed in 2019, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.