A federal superseding indictment unsealed today in Chicago has named a fourth individual allegedly involved in a series of violent robberies targeting liquor stores, convenience stores, and bars over an eight-month period. Xavier Harris, the fourth person charged, is accused of collaborating with his brother Ardaries Harris, along with Jordan Fox and Roosevelt Veal, to carry out over a dozen robberies in 2023 and 2024.
The indictment, revealed in U.S. District Court, states that the group used stolen vehicles for their getaways and threatened store employees with firearms, sometimes discharging machine guns during their heists.
Previously, Ardaries Harris, 27, Jordan Fox, 25, and Roosevelt Veal, 27, were charged with conspiracy, robbery, and firearm offenses related to five robberies. The current indictment adds Xavier Harris, 26, to the list of defendants and incorporates ten additional robbery counts. These new charges elevate the mandatory minimum sentence for the co-defendants to thirty years, while Xavier Harris faces a 21-year minimum sentence. All could potentially receive life sentences if found guilty.
Xavier Harris, a resident of Chicago, was arrested last Thursday and has pled not guilty in federal court. The three others were already in federal custody and will have arraignment dates set for the future.
Specific incidents listed in the indictment include robberies at Ace’s Liquor and Tap in August 2023, Super Saving Food in November 2023, and multiple locations on January 15, 2024, such as Mr. P Beverage Depot and Clybourn Market. In May 2024, string of robberies took place at the Humboldt Haus Liquor, Gladstone Food Mart, and others.
The indictment was presented by several enforcement officials, including Morris Pasqual, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of ATF's Chicago Field Division. Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, is also credited alongside other agencies like the Illinois State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service’s Great Lakes Regional Task Force.
Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative, plays a pivotal role in marshaling resources against violent crime. The case was also aided by ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) of Chicago, a specialized unit focusing on gun violence prevention in the area.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is not a conclusive proof of guilt. The defendants still hold the presumption of innocence and are afforded the right to a fair trial where the burden of proof lies with the government.