A California man will spend more than 20 years in prison after being found guilty of three armed robberies.
According to a March 3 news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California, Devon Dwayne Brooks, 23, of San Diego, admitted to robbing three businesses — Alpha and Omega Jewelry, Valerio's Bakeshop and Winchell's Donut House — in National City from March 2019 through January 2020.
“He changed their lives forever," Attorney Randy Grossman said in the release. "This is a prime example of why the Department of Justice prioritizes violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize the investigation and the prosecution of violent crimes in a manner that promotes victim rights and ensures just consequences for those who perpetrate violent crimes.”
Brooks pleaded guilty in July 2021 to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the release, Brooks reportedly fired his weapon at a store clerk during the Winchell's Donut House robbery.
On March 3, the San Diego man was sentenced to 248 months in prison.
“Today’s sentence should send a very clear message to violent criminals throughout the county – the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force will utilize all investigative resources and law enforcement partnerships to track down and bring to justice those who commit violent acts and put lives in danger,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. “The FBI is proud to work alongside our partners at the National City Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help keep our communities safe. I hope this sentence brings a sense of justice and closure to those victims whose lives were viciously impacted.”
