Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Houston resident has been found guilty of aiding and abetting a robbery, as per an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. After four hours of deliberation, the jury determined Patrick Norman, 20, guilty following a three-day trial.
The robbery occurred on January 29, 2024, when Norman served as a lookout as his accomplice, Danial Starr, also 20, robbed the Spring Smoke Shop on Veteran’s Memorial Drive in Houston. Starr utilized a firearm to threaten an employee and steal cash and smoke products, after which both men fled the scene.
Norman's arrest was facilitated by an eyewitness’ identification. Although he initially denied knowing Starr, the jury evaluated evidence including surveillance footage and phone records indicating communication between the two men before the robbery.
A store clerk, who was victimized in the robbery, provided testimony during the trial. The defense's argument that Norman had no intention of aiding in the robbery failed to persuade the jury, leading to a guilty verdict.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner is set to impose sentencing at a future date, where Norman faces up to 20 years in federal prison. After arriving late for his trial on April 21, Norman was taken into custody and will remain detained pending sentencing.
In related legal proceedings, Starr admitted guilt before the trial and awaits sentencing. Another individual, Calvin Deshazo, 19, also from Houston, admitted his involvement in aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during two other robberies and awaits sentencing.
The joint investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Anh-Khoa Tran are handling the prosecution of the case.
