David Andrew Williams, a 32-year-old previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty on May 4 in connection with armed robberies at five restaurants in Southeast and Northwest Washington, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case highlights concerns about violent crime and public safety for both restaurant workers and neighborhood residents. Prosecutors say Williams used a firearm during each robbery, raising alarm among businesses and law enforcement.
"Over a series of robberies, this defendant used a firearm to terrorize restaurant workers and undermine the safety of our neighborhoods. Today’s guilty plea holds him accountable and brings a measure of justice to the victims," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and prosecute violent offenders to the fullest extent of the law."
Williams entered his plea before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on charges including interference with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 1.
Court documents detail that Williams robbed the same Subway restaurant twice—once on July 3, 2024, taking cash after threatening employees with a handgun, then again on Dec. 29 using similar tactics but leaving without some change offered by an employee. On Dec. 30 he robbed Manny & Olga’s Pizza while wearing a surgical mask; on Jan. 14 he targeted Chipotle; then on Feb. 3 he robbed Dunkin Donuts before being arrested later that day by Metro Transit Police officers who recovered an untraceable “ghost gun” from his bag.
The investigation involved the Metropolitan Police Department, Metro Transit Police, and FBI Washington Field Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Horan and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Liss are prosecuting the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The outcome reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to address gun-related crimes affecting businesses across Washington.
