Houston man charged with armed robbery of multiple smoke shops

Editor's Note:
This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.    

HOUSTON – A 33-year-old man has been charged in a nine-count federal indictment for multiple robberies and related firearms offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Previously in custody on related charges, De Aundre Devoy Jones is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho Nov. 7 at 10 a.m.

The indictment alleges that between Jan. 26-30, Jones and others conspired to rob several Houston-area businesses. They allegedly planned and carried out a series of armed commercial robberies for money. According to the charges, the group worked together, aiding and abetting one another during the robberies. 

On Jan. 26, Jones and his conspirators allegedly robbed the Supreme Smoke Vape shop located at 11460 Fuqua Street in Houston. The conspirators brandished firearms at the store clerk and demanded cash from the registers, according to the allegations.

The indictment alleges that two days later, Jones and others allegedly targeted two Vape City locations in Houston and similarly brandished firearms at the store clerk, demanding cash from the registers.  

Then on Jan. 30, he and his conspirators also robbed Texas Rock and Roll, a vape shop located on 1960 Road West in Houston, according to the charges.  The conspirators allegedly brandished firearms at the store clerk and stole cash before fleeing.

If convicted, Jones faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each robbery count as well as a mandatory minimum of seven years per count for aiding and abetting brandishing a firearm during the robberies which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. The charges could also result in a possible $250,000 maximum fine on each count.     

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.