SHERMAN, Texas — A 20-year-old Dallas man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after admitting to a pair of armed convenience store robberies carried out in North Texas in late 2023, according to federal prosecutors.
Armed Robberies Spanned Two Days in November 2023
Federal officials confirmed that Victor Heredia was sentenced on Monday to 78 months in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery in the Eastern District of Texas.
Court records show that the robberies took place over the course of November 6 and November 7, 2023, targeting two separate 7-Eleven convenience stores in Carrollton, Texas.
Gun Fired Inside Store During First Robbery
According to information presented in court, both robberies were committed at gunpoint. During the first incident, prosecutors said Heredia fired the weapon into the ceiling of the store, escalating the danger to employees and customers inside.
While no injuries were reported, authorities emphasized that discharging a firearm inside a public business significantly increases the risk of serious harm or death.
Federal Charges Under Hobbs Act
Heredia was charged under the Hobbs Act, a federal statute that addresses robberies affecting interstate commerce, often applied in cases involving armed robberies of businesses such as convenience stores, gas stations, and retail locations.
By pleading guilty to two counts, Heredia avoided a trial but still faced substantial prison time due to the use of a firearm and the violent nature of the offenses.
Investigation Led by FBI and Local Police
The case was investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Carrollton Police Department, highlighting the cooperation between federal and local law enforcement in addressing violent crimes targeting commercial businesses.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson, who presented evidence detailing the timeline, surveillance findings, and circumstances surrounding the robberies.
Federal Sentencing Reflects Seriousness of Crime
Federal prosecutors noted that armed robberies of retail stores pose ongoing risks to workers who often have limited protection during late-night or overnight shifts. Sentences in such cases are intended not only to punish offenders but also to deter similar crimes.
The 78-month sentence reflects enhancements tied to the use of a firearm and the repeated nature of the offenses over multiple days.
Conclusion
With sentencing now complete, Victor Heredia will serve more than six years in federal prison for the armed robberies that unfolded across two Carrollton convenience stores in November 2023. Authorities reiterated that violent crimes involving firearms remain a top enforcement priority across North Texas.
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