A Dallas man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a firearms violation after attempting to rob a Lyft driver at gunpoint in Plano, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs on July 14.
Antonio Detravion Woodard, Jr., age 24, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and received a sentence of 180 months from U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on July 13. According to information presented in court, Woodard called for a Lyft ride on January 10, 2025. Upon arrival, he pulled out a gun and told the driver, “This is a robbery.” Woodard then asked the driver for access to his Cash App and Wallet. After discovering that the victim had no cash available, Woodard became upset and demanded that the victim “Not tell the police what happened.” The Lyft driver activated the safety feature in his app, prompting local law enforcement officers to respond.
Further investigation revealed that Woodard was already a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms. The case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative involving the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration issues as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas supports victims through dedicated services; has offices in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler; employs about 100 staff members including roughly 50 assistant attorneys; prosecutes federal crimes; delivers civil litigation services; covers 43 counties across East Texas; and operates as part of the United States Department of Justice, according to its official website.