Alamdar Hamdani U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Houston man, Jordan Javon Ashton, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Victoria for armed robbery and possession of a firearm as a felon. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei after the jury deliberated for less than two hours following a three-day trial.
The incident occurred on October 31, 2023, at Morelos Supermercados in Victoria. During the robbery, Latrayveon McNeal and Jerrell Potts entered the supermarket with masks and firearms, targeting the Barri money services counter. They threatened employees and customers before escaping with cash and checks.
Ashton played the role of getaway driver, meeting McNeal and Potts a few blocks from the scene in a stolen vehicle. The jury reviewed evidence including photographs, surveillance footage, weapons used during the crime, and 911 call recordings.
Ashton's defense argued that he withdrew from the conspiracy; however, this claim was not accepted by the jury. It was also revealed that Ashton had prior felony convictions and was on parole at the time of the robbery.
McNeal and Potts have already pleaded guilty to their involvement in the crime. Potts received an 87-month federal prison sentence while McNeal awaits sentencing.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over Ashton's trial and scheduled sentencing for May 29. Ashton could face up to 20 years for robbery charges and an additional 15 years for firearms charges along with a potential $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with support from local law enforcement agencies in Victoria County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is leading the prosecution.
