Leigha Simonton, United States Attorney, Northern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas
An armed serial robber, Charles Lenard Brownlee, was found guilty by a jury on March 26, 2025, of robbing five cash loan businesses across the Fort Worth metroplex in May 2024. This announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Chad E. Meacham.
Brownlee, 37, faced multiple charges: one count of Hobbs Act Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery, five counts of Hobbs Act Interference with Commerce by Robbery, five counts of Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm during a Crime of Violence, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The charges stemmed from a series of armed robberies he committed between May 9 and May 21, 2024, at Cash Store businesses in Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Euless, Hurst, and Grapevine.
During the trial, evidence showed that Brownlee attempted to disguise his identity using a medical mask and changing outfits for each robbery. Surveillance footage, along with input from local detectives, linked Brownlee to a black Hyundai Santa Fe with a distinctive blue fuzzy steering-wheel cover, used consistently in the robberies.
An eyewitness testified about seeing Brownlee discard a Black & Mild cigarillo while fleeing a crime scene, entering a black SUV with a blue fuzzy covering on its steering wheel. DNA testing matched the cigarillo to Brownlee.
A member of the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team provided testimony that cellphone data placed Brownlee at the scene of each robbery. Additionally, Brownlee's girlfriend testified about their joint involvement in two of the robberies as she drove him to the locations.
Following the May 21 robbery in Grapevine, Brownlee was arrested. Items linked to the robberies, including a blue hat, a medical mask, and firearms, were discovered in the vehicle. Authorities also recovered the black Hyundai Santa Fe.
Cellphone records revealed Brownlee researched potential targets and weapons online. Photos and videos from his and his co-conspirator’s phones depicted stacks of cash and Brownlee with a Black & Mild cigarillo.
Brownlee may receive a sentence of 35 years to life in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 11, 2025, before Judge Reed O’Connor. His co-conspirator pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Conspiracy and faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with sentencing set for April 8, 2025.
FBI Dallas Special Agent R. Joseph Rothrock commended the collaboration between the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. “The collaboration with multiple agencies from Tarrant County resulted in a successful guilty verdict and sends a message that we will not tolerate acts of violent crime in our communities,” Rothrock stated.
Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham acknowledged the joint efforts of the FBI, Fort Worth Resident Agency, and various police departments involved. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric B. Chen and Levi Thomas led the prosecution, assisted by Attorney Daniel Gordon.
