Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook has announced the sentencing of Bracelon Armon Charles, a 22-year-old resident of Sunset, Louisiana. Charles was sentenced to 155 months, equivalent to 12 years and 11 months, in prison. This will be followed by five years of supervised release for his involvement in brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The sentence was delivered by United States District Judge James D. Cain Jr.
Court records indicate that on October 6, 2023, Charles and a juvenile accomplice used a stolen 2018 Kia to travel from Lafayette to Vinton, Louisiana. Upon arriving, they entered Tiger Mart, a gas station and convenience store. Inside the store, they brandished firearms and demanded money from the clerk, who handed over $400.
Shortly thereafter, Charles and the juvenile targeted More 4 Less, another gas station and convenience store in Vinton. Replicating their earlier actions, they pointed firearms at the clerk and again demanded cash, which resulted in another $400 being surrendered to them.
The duo then attempted to flee to Texas. However, they were pursued by law enforcement officers and engaged in a high-speed chase that concluded back in Louisiana, where they were apprehended. Charles faced federal charges and pled guilty to using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The investigation into the robberies was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in collaboration with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren L. Gardner.