A spree of armed robberies in the Fort Worth area has culminated in a 60-year federal prison sentence for the convicted felon involved. Charles Brownlee, 37, was charged with 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. U.S. District Judge Reed C. O'Connor sentenced him and has also been ordered to pay upwards of $21,000 in restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Between May 9 and May 21, 2024, Brownlee robbed five Cash Store businesses at gunpoint, using a medical mask to cover his face and changing his attire for each robbery. As per the Justice Department, Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson highlighted the terror these robberies spread across businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and commended law enforcement's effort in ending this string of violent crimes. Larson stressed the importance of the sentence in serving both as retribution and deterrence.
The investigation into the robberies was a joint effort involving myriad law enforcement agencies, including the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, Fort Worth Resident Agency, and several local police departments. This collaboration was pivotal in both halting the robberies and ensuring a robust prosecution, ultimately leading to Brownlee's conviction and subsequent sentencing. FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock emphasized the collaborative efficiency, stating, via the U.S. Attorney's Office, "The FBI will continue to work alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement to surge resources and fight violent crime in our communities across North Texas."
