A Houston man has been convicted on five counts related to a series of robberies at local gas stations, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. A federal jury found Ahmed Oraby Ahmedaly, 42, guilty of attempted robbery and two counts each of robbery and discharging a firearm after deliberating for less than two hours.
The verdict followed a five-day trial in which store clerks, law enforcement officers, and forensic experts provided testimony. Evidence presented included accounts that Ahmedaly entered a Houston-area gas station on February 9, 2022, pretending to be a customer before threatening the clerk with a 9mm pistol and demanding money. Five days later, he committed two additional armed robberies at convenience stores in west Houston, firing his weapon inside both locations as he ordered employees to comply.
Video surveillance showed a blue Honda at each crime scene and captured images of the same man entering the stores. Authorities recovered a loaded 9mm pistol from Ahmedaly’s vehicle at the time of his arrest; forensic analysis confirmed it matched shell casings from one of the robberies.
Jurors also heard recordings of jail phone calls in which Ahmedaly discussed using the firearm and acknowledged being identified in surveillance footage.
The defense argued that Ahmedaly was insane during the offenses and sought testimony from his friend and sister. However, evidence revealed both had little contact with him in recent years. A forensic psychologist testified that Ahmedaly was feigning or exaggerating symptoms of psychosis.
Further rebuttal evidence highlighted consistent methods used in all three robberies and noted that Ahmedaly admitted on the stand that he knew his actions were wrong.
The jury rejected the insanity defense and found him guilty on all charges.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for December 11. Ahmedaly faces up to life imprisonment and a potential $250,000 fine. He remains in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with support from local law enforcement agencies including the Houston Police Department, Harris County Constables Office - Precinct 5, and Waller County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Andrew Sand are prosecuting the case.
