A Houston jury found 20-year-old Patrick Norman guilty of aiding and abetting a robbery, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The verdict came after four hours of deliberation, following a three-day trial.
On January 29, 2024, Norman acted as a lookout during a robbery executed by Danial Starr, also 20, at the Spring Smoke Shop. Starr brandished a firearm, threatened an employee, and stole cash and smoke products, after which both suspects fled the scene. An eyewitness identification led to Norman's arrest.
Despite initially denying any connection to Starr, surveillance footage and phone records presented during the trial showed Norman's involvement and communication with Starr prior to the robbery. Testimony from the victimized store clerk also contributed to the jury's decision.
The defense's argument that Norman did not intend to participate in the crime failed to sway the jury, who found him guilty. U.S. District Judge David Hittner will determine Norman's sentence, which could be up to 20 years in federal prison.
Norman, who was previously released on bond, was taken into custody on April 21 after arriving late for the trial and will remain there pending sentencing. Starr, who pled guilty before the trial, and Calvin Deshazo, who admitted to aiding in other robberies, both await sentencing.
The investigation was a collaborative effort conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Anh-Khoa Tran are in charge of prosecuting the case.