In Austin today, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging two Austin residents for their alleged roles in an attempted armed robbery of a convenience store last year, announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.

The federal grand jury indictment charges 36-year-old Deon Ross and 18-year-old Lavante Carter with one count of interference with commerce by threat or violence.  The indictment also charges Ross with one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and Carter with one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  The indictment alleges that on October 7, 2020, the defendants attempted to rob a convenience store located on North Interstate 35 in Austin.  The indictment further alleges that during the incident, Ross shot a convenience store employee while Carter brandished a firearm at a second convenience store employee. 

Carter and Ross were arrested on October 12, 2020, and December 6, 2020, respectively.  Both have since remained in custody.  Upon conviction, Ross and Carter face up to 20 years in federal prison for interference with commerce by threat or violence.  Ross faces between 10 years and life in federal prison upon conviction of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.   Carter faces between seven years and life in federal prison upon conviction of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  

This case is part of Operation Undaunted, representing federal, state and local law enforcement’s commitment to combat violence and restore peace to central and west Texas communities.  

The FBI and the Austin Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Killeen Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel Cohen and Keith Henneke are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. 

An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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