A Houston man has been found guilty by a federal jury in Victoria, Texas, for his involvement in an armed robbery and possession of a firearm as a felon. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jordan Javon Ashton, 27, was convicted after the jury deliberated for less than two hours following a three-day trial. The crime took place on October 31, 2023, at Morelos Supermercados in Victoria and involved stolen items including a vehicle, license plates, and a gun.
During the incident, Latrayveon McNeal and Jerrell Potts entered the supermarket wearing masks and wielding firearms. They approached the Barri money services counter and demanded cash from employees and customers. The employees complied out of fear for their lives, handing over U.S. currency and cashed checks.
McNeal and Potts fled in a stolen white truck to meet Ashton, who was waiting nearby with a weapon. Ashton then drove them away from the scene while leaving the truck running in the street.
The prosecution presented evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage from the supermarket, weapons used during the crime, and excerpts from 911 calls made that day. It was also revealed that Ashton had previously been convicted of a felony and was on parole at the time of this offense.
Despite defense claims that Ashton withdrew from the conspiracy, the jury did not accept these arguments and found him guilty as charged.
Both McNeal and Potts had earlier pleaded guilty to their roles in the robbery. Potts received an 87-month federal prison sentence while McNeal awaits sentencing.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over Ashton's trial and scheduled sentencing for May 29. Ashton could face up to 20 years for robbery charges and an additional 15 years for firearms charges along with a potential $250,000 fine.
Ashton will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with help from local law enforcement agencies including Victoria Police Department, Victoria County Sheriff's Office, and Victoria County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is prosecuting this case.