A Revere man is facing federal charges after being accused of robbing two Boston-area convenience stores at gunpoint, officials said. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts announced that 26-year-old Jaquan Barrows was charged yesterday with Hobbs Act robbery and using firearms in connection with the crimes. Barrows is expected to make his court appearance in Boston later today.
Prosecutors allege that on the morning of March 29, 2024, Barrows entered a Revere convenience store wearing a disguise and armed with a handgun. He's accused of demanding cash and a cellphone from an employee before striking them with the weapon and fleeing with an ice cream bar. Less than one week later, on April 4, Barrows purportedly struck again at an Everett store. This time, after appearing to be a customer, Barrows is said to have pulled a gun on the clerk to successfully make off with more cash.
Investigative leads pointed to a Honda Pilot seen near the scene of the first robbery. According to court records cited by the Department of Justice, the vehicle was registered to a person living with Barrows. Further evidence was collected through surveillance footage at the Revere store and Barrows' residence, suggesting that the clothing worn by Barrows matched that of the alleged robber.
An April 4 search at Barrows' home led to the discovery of clothing matching the robber's, and a handgun. Following these findings, authorities took Barrows into custody. The charge of Hobbs Act robbery alone carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison. If convicted, Barrows would have to serve a mandatory minimum of seven years for brandishing a firearm during a crime, which would need to then be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division, along with Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced the charges and acknowledged the cooperative efforts of the Revere and Everett Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard is reportedly leading the prosecution.
The charges pressed against Barrows are currently assertions that require scrutinizing in the court of law. As standard in the American justice system, the department reminds that the accused should be considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
